How do age and gender shape the experiences of single older adults navigating the contemporary dating market. Drawing on 100 in-depth interviews with single men and women ages 60–83 who were using online dating websites, the study explores how older adults approach intimacy, companionship, and new romantic relationships in later life.

The presentation highlights how broader social contexts, including changing norms around later-life sexuality, the use of online dating technologies, family relationships and caregiving responsibilities, and financial considerations, shape how older adults navigate dating and partnering. Together, these perspectives provide insight into the complex factors that structure the ways single older adults negotiate relationships in later life.

About the Presenter

Lauren Harris, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of New Hampshire. Her research focuses on romantic relationships, early stages of family formation, gender, aging and the life course, and qualitative methods. She has been studying later life (re)partnering for more than 5 years and is currently researching LGBTQ (re)partnering in later life.

Carpool if possible as there is limited parking at the library.