Bay Shore NY
5-08-2024 6:23pm

Marriage in The Golden Years

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - MARRIAGE IN THE GOLDEN YEARS

Weddings are one of life's greatest blessings. What's better than celebrating love. But is it a good choice at 60 and beyond? Let's find out.

People have been marrying for centuries. The first recorded evidence of marriage ceremonies uniting one woman and one man dates from about 2350 B.C. in Mesopotamia. Over the next several hundred years, marriage evolved into a widespread institution embraced by the ancient Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans. But back then, marriage had little to do with love or with religion.

In ancient times, marriage was primarily a means of ensuring the continuity of the family line, passing on property and wealth to the next generation, and securing alliances between different families or tribes. It was also a way to regulate sexual behavior and ensure legitimacy for children. 

Some things have changed while others have remained the same.

The word "marriage" appeared around 1300 and likely descended from the Old French "mariage" of the 12th Century and the Vulgar Latin "maritaticum" of the 11th Century. The adjective marīt-us-a-um meaning matrimonial or nuptial could also be used in the masculine form as a noun for "husband" and in the feminine form for "wife". The related word "matrimony" derives from the Old French word matremoine, which appears around 1300 CE and ultimately derives from Latin mātrimōnium, which combines the two concepts: mater meaning "mother" and the suffix -monium signifying "action, state, or condition". How ever you say it, marriage still has the same meaning. 

I went to my nieces wedding this week. As we gathered on the promenade of Long Beach City Hall waiting for the bride and groom to appear, guests from both families mingled as we introduced ourselves to each other. The weather was perfect, and everyone was in a great mood anticipating the nuptials. I struck up a conversation with two uncles of the groom. The subject was, of course, marriage, and specifically, marriage at an older age. The conversation came very naturally. One of the uncles said he was on his fourth wife while the other uncle said he was married for the second time. I was immediately intrigued by the uncle who was married four times, but he wasn't too eager to share. His wife was back home in Hawaii. He came to visit his elderly father and witness his nephew's marriage. 

The uncle who was married for a second time was much more willing to tell me his love story. They met on a blind date. He was 50 and she was 48. They had both been married before. They've been married to each other now for 20 years. I told him he looked great for 70 years old. He said, "It's love."

We had never met before, but I learned a lot about marriage at an older age from these two uncles who were now somehow related to me through marital bliss.

Love is still in fashion, and people are still marrying no matter how old they are. In recent years, there has been a trend of Americans getting married at an older age and some in their golden years. As of 2023, the median age for men to first get married has risen to 30.2 years and for women, it's 28.4 years. This represents a steady increase from the 1950's. Additionally, a significant percentage of adults over 60 have been married with rates higher than the general adult population.

At least 9 in 10 adults ages 60 and beyond have been married. Specifically, 91% of men and 92% of women ages 60 to 69 and 95% of both men and women ages 70 or older have been married. These estimates are much higher than for all men (63%) and women (69%) ages 15 or older. 

Are you contemplating taking the plunge into marriage in these golden years? It’s a big decision, and you might wonder if it’s the right move at this mature stage in life. Tying the knot at 60 and beyond may not be conventional, but it can be an adventurous road less traveled for souls seeking love, companionship, and a fresh lease on life. In the late-life romance, there’s a vibrant tapestry of experiences, joys, and challenges waiting for you. Let's go! Not so fast.

There are pros and cons to marriage at this ripe age. Some of the pros are companionship, financial benefits, emotional support, and complimentary skills. For example, one of you may have technical skills while the other is a great cook. Some of the cons are health concerns, blended families, legal and financial considerations, and adjusting to change. You may have been living alone for a while, so living with someone over 60 might be difficult. 

Is it worth the risk to marry over 60? That's totally up to you. But before you do, you should carefully consider the pros and cons against your desires and circumstances. Speak to a financial expert and consult your family. Don't dive in, but rather test the waters first. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make, and if it leads to a happy and fulfilling life in your golden years, then it’s a choice well made. Remember, the key is to do what feels right for you. Trust your gut. 

Whether you choose to embrace late-life marriage or continue your journey solo, what matters most is your happiness and well-being. Love yourself either way.  

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and beyond, marriage can be the best time of your life. Just make sure it feels right.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - LONG BEACH BOARDWALK

Whether you live there or not, walking along the Long Beach boardwalk is a special experience. Ever since William Reynolds first orchestrated its construction in 1906-1907, the boardwalk has played a central role in the Long Beach community and served as a destination for New Yorkers looking to spend a nice day at the beach. 

Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean for just under 5 miles, this boardwalk was destroyed in Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It has been rebuilt and is more glorious than ever before. Whales, sharks, and dolphin call this ocean home, so be careful before you dip in. When you can, take a nice, long walk along this splendid boardwalk during any time of year. It will be a walk to remember.

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

May you provide many blessings to anyone entering wedded matrimony. May they know peace, love, and joy throughout their lives together. Amen.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Would you consider marriage over 60? 

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble next to the Heart below. Thanks.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - NOTHING CAN COME BETWEEN US by SADE

<!-- EMBEDDED YOUTUBE URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oVI0GW-Xd4 -->

Lyrics

I always hope that you remember
We'll never really learn the meaning of it all
What we have is strong and tender, so hold on
In the middle of the madness
When the time is running out and you're left alone
All I want is you to know that
It's strong still, can't pull us apart
Nothing can come, nothing can come
Nothing can come between us (Nothing can pull us apart)
Baby, nothing can come, nothing can come between us
Nothing can come between us
I always hope that you remember
What we have is strong and tender
In the middle of the madness, hold on
So it truly is a good thing
And I always wanted you to know
There is always this, and this is everlasting, hold on
It's about faith
It's about trust (Yeah, yeah)
It's about faith (Ooh yeah)
It's about trust
Nothing can come, nothing can come
Nothing can come between us
Baby, nothing can come, nothing can come between us
Nothing can come between us
Can come (Nothing can come)
Nothing can come
Can tear (Nothing can come between us)
Can pull (Nothing can come)
Nothing can come
Us apart (Nothing can come between us)
Can come (Nothing can come)
Nothing can come
Can tear (Nothing can come between us)
Can pull (Nothing can come)
Nothing can come
Us apart (Nothing can come between us)
Can come (Nothing can come)
Nothing can come
Can tear (Nothing can come between us
Can pull (Nothing can come)
Nothing can come
Us apart (Nothing can come between us)

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE

My brand, Skylark Live, was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I’m in the process of formulating in-person presentations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be conducted in someone’s home, local library, or senior center.

Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: (736) Skylark Live - YouTube

WHERE TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT ME ON PATREON AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and to expand my brand. Just click the link below: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Social Media - You can follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support. Andiamo! Let's Go!

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