Intimacy and older adults: a comparison between online and offline romantic relationships

Using online dating sites to find romantic partners has rapidly become the norm and there are many studies illustrating this trend. Qualitative research regarding older adults in this context is scarce, however, as is research regarding older adult romantic relationships that begin face to face (F2F). This paper reports the findings of 45 semi-structured interviews with two groups of older adults (60 years plus): those who were currently in or recently involved in a romantic relationship that began (1) online or (2) F2F. The findings suggest that older adult online relationships develop more quickly than those that begin F2F and that they are of shorter duration and are less likely to become ongoing. In terms of sexual intimacy, however, all relationships (in both groups) became sexual and most did so in a short time. It is argued that the mode of relationship initiation may have an impact on relationship development and longevity but that this may not necessarily be a negative outcome for older adults.