Living Apart Together: Separate homes, same companionship, is this a new path to happiness for couples over 60?

However, according to a new study led by the University of Lancaster (United Kingdom) in collaboration with University College London, the living dynamics have proven to be beneficial for couples above the age of 60. The study states that the key to happiness for elderly couples is to live in separate residences. Also read | How elderly citizens in India are finding love

In a statement, the British University stated that while leaving a marriage can cause decline in mental health, living in separate residences and yet enjoying the companionship of a marriage can actually benefit people above the age of 60.

How LAT can help elderly couples?

The study demonstrated that leaving a marriage or a cohabitation can affect mental health of people severely. However, when people choose to stay in separate residences, they are not compelled to spend their entire time with each other, but choose to stay in a long and lasting relationship by choice. This provides more meaning to the relationship.

Yang Hu, a professor at Lancaster University and co-author of the study with Rory Coulter from University College London, said, “It is time we saw and recognised the power of intimate, often invisible, connections beyond the home to sustain the wellbeing of older adults.” Also read | Here’s the real story behind elderly couple’s photos that broke the internet

Often staying under the same roof with the partner is a social imposition and not decided based on the independence. Hence, living apart together can help in achieving a more sincere relationship, based on choices and intimacy. It is also observed to cause lesser decline in mental health than observed in estranged couples who leave a marriage.