Romantic Relationships in Later Life

The research focuses on dating practices and romantic relationships in the second half of life in Latvia. Today, life expectancy has increased due to accessible healthcare, technology, and education. As a result, the number of people in the second half of life who find themselves alone, either through divorce or the death of a partner, has grown. Therefore, a significant portion of older adults are lonely, prompting them to seek relationships. The study shows that digital dating platforms play a significant role in the dating process. Several factors influence dating practices in later life, such as gender disproportions, gender stereotypes, and social values rooted in the Soviet era, as well as limited financial means due to pensions, where everyone has their own material circumstances, and the gradual aging of the body. The research reveals how social, material, and bodily conditions shape dating practices and how digital devices, which have only recently become part of this generation's lives, are adapted and used in the dating process. The internet brings together people from various regions, but distance and limited financial means during retirement can create obstacles in transitioning from digital communication to in-person meetings.

The study analyzes the Facebook group Dating for Seniors in Latvia, which, although nominally a dating platform, primarily serves as a social space where people can interact, share experiences, and reduce loneliness due to the lack of other media dedicated specifically to older adults. The study also examines other dating platforms like Tinder and local dating sites such as Otrapuse.lv and Oho.lv. Alongside the online study, 18 in-depth interviews were conducted during the field study, which took place in the summer of 2024.