Relationships and family in later life

As you get older your relationships carry more meaning and you may begin to lose life-long friends.

Main topics

How to adjust to living alone
Although it may be scary to begin with, living on our own is a situation most of us can adapt to.
Remarrying
There are some key practical issues to consider when remarrying or forming a new civil partnership.
End of life issues
Thinking about the end of life can be difficult, but being informed can help us stay in control of the way we die.
Coping with bereavement
When you lose someone, it can feel like your world has fallen apart. Our advice and support can help you cope.
Guide to dating
Getting older doesn’t mean that our need for closeness and companionship goes away.
Sex in later life
Sexuality doesn’t just disappear as you age and it’s perfectly natural to have sexual desires.
LGBT+
Many of the issues in later life are similar whether you’re heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, but some matters may need special consideration.
Top tips for grandparents
It's normal to feel nervous about spending time with little ones. We can give you some support.
Protection from abuse
We should be able to live safely, without having to worry about being exploited, abused or neglected.

Following her own experience of bereavement, Jan Robinson published a book of advice, gathered from others who have also lost their husband.

Find out what sort of support Age UK offers in your area

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We are grateful for the generous support of the late Sir Naim Dangoor, CBE, and the Exilarch's Foundation.

For more information call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602.
We’re open 8am to 7pm, every day of the year.