Finding love in later life
While dating apps dominate conversations about modern romance, they aren’t the go-to for older adults. Only 8% of respondents believe dating online is the best way to meet someone new in later life. Instead, community groups and clubs top the list (42%) – showing that shared interests, staying active, and real-world social connections are key to forming meaningful relationships.
“Finding love – whether romantic, platonic or personal – remains one of life’s great adventures, no matter your age,” said Ailish McGlew, Head of Marketing and Communications at Spry Finance. “These results highlight the optimism and openness that many people feel about later life. It’s a powerful reminder that community, connection and curiosity don’t have an expiry date.”
Ageing well is about more than health
The research also revealed changing attitudes toward ageing well:
- 75% believe staying mentally active is the key to a healthy later life (up 5% on last year).
- 70% see regular exercise as essential (+8%).
- 67% value eating well (+4%).
- 60% say spending time in nature is vital (now ahead of maintaining strong relationships with family and friends at 56%).
Interestingly, lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important, with four in 10 people citing it as crucial to ageing well – a 10% increase since 2024.
New skills and interests
When asked what they’d most like to learn in retirement, many said they’d pursue creative skills, learn a language, pick up a musical instrument, or explore new technology. An impressive nine in 10 people across all age groups expressed a desire to learn something new.
Ms McGlew added: “Irish people recognise that life after 60 is about opening up, not winding down. It’s about staying engaged, learning new things, and feeling connected. That sense of curiosity and adventure is often what sparks new relationships, new confidence, and even new love.”
Later life is no longer viewed as a time to slow down – it’s an opportunity to explore new passions, build connections, and perhaps even fall in love again. As this research shows, romance doesn’t retire, and neither should our lust for life.
Read more later life research from Spry Finance:
One in three equity release customers in Ireland are single women
