The rise of “live-apart-together” relationships
When you meet someone later in life it’s hard to know the right way forward. The majority of over-60s are looking for love again after a death or divorce so the traditional notion of getting married, moving in together and having children doesn’t apply.
It’s why many over-60s have chosen to be together but live apart. It sounds unusual but it’s a rising trend that more and more couples are embracing, becoming so popular that it has its own acronym: LATs (living apart together). Demographer John Haskey of Oxford University defines LATs as having “separate addresses, [being] monogamous in nature and having more than a casual relationship.”
Canadian writer, Linda Breault, who edited book Living Apart Together told the Australian television network ABC, “People choose it [a LAT] for a variety of reasons, and those who do it want both their independence and autonomy while still being in a loving relationship
“The age group varies - it's becoming more common among second marriages in the boomer generation.
“We have an increasing number of people in their 60s choosing to be in a relationship but not share the same house.”
Older couples are finding LATs the perfect living arrangement for blossoming relationships, ensuring they’re both able to maintain their independence and interests but still be in a committed relationship. It’s so successful that Linda notes people in their 70s, 80s and 90s are taking their LAT relationships to retirement homes.
"For those who choose it, they make it work, but it's not for everyone," Linda says.