Valentine's Day for the Senior Set
Seeing what advice exists for finding romantic relationships in the senior years
Just today I discovered that I have access to the Microsoft newly ChatGPT AI enabled Bing search engine. I asked “Is it possible to find love for a man aged 69?” It parsed this request into two searches: “find love for a man aged 69,” and “love stories of older men.” These are the answers it generate…
“Be open-minded and confident”
“Join activities and groups that interest you”
“Try online dating.” Their first recommendation is for one “that caters to older men and younger women.”
“Read or watch love stories of older men.” Unfortunately its second “example” crosses the border into pedophilia. Oops.
I then searched for well-regarded romance novels concerning older adults.
I chose this audiobook “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand.” by Helen Simonson.
Online movie rental and chill is a good option, and I’d suggest these…
Romantic Movies: Casablanca, Something’s Gotta Give with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keeton, Love Punch with Emma Thompson and Pierce , Elsa & Fred with Shirley McClaine and Christopher Plummer, Still Mine with James Cromwell and Genevieve Bujold. If you have Hulu, I recommend Only Murders in the Building. The second season features Shirley McClaine. Not elder romance, but I was drawn when I saw a rental for The Merchant of Venice with Al Pacino. Also “The Lion in Winter,” with Peter O’Toole and Katherine Hepburn and a very young Anthony Hopkins in his first major film role.
Cruises for Single Seniors - Some future planning might include taking a cruise. Princess offers “Cruises for Single Seniors": ”With daily cocktail parties and singles-only nights, dress to the nines and enjoy an evening full of hand-crafted drinks and inspiring dialogues.” Seems like they’re pushing the drink package.
Be Careful with Dark Chocolate - If you’re in a committed relationship, you might go with the traditional romantic dinner and gifts of sweets and flowers. If you think that dark chocolate might be the healthy option, you should check out Consumer Reports take on contamination with heavy metals with Lead and Cadmium Could Be in Your Dark Chocolate.