<p>Imagine rediscovering the thrill of love, no matter your age. This idea resonates deeply in Hindu mythology where two formidable figures, Indra and Sage Gautama, found themselves spellbound by Ahalya, a symbol of beauty crafted by the God of Creation. The King of all Gods Indra trembled with lust. For the much older Sage Gautama, guardian of divine laws, age proved hardly a temperance for ardour. A smouldering desire pierced his armour steeling against worldly pleasures.</p>.<p>Just as Indra and Gautama were captivated by her allure, many of us today are experiencing our Ahalya Awakening – a second (or even third) chance at love that ignites hope for intimacy, creativity, and connection in our later years. The landscape of love is undergoing a profound transformation, particularly in India, where societal changes over the past 35 years have reshaped attitudes toward relationships. Factors like the loss of a spouse, divorce, stalemates in marriage, shifting demographics and the fading of caregiving responsibilities have opened the doors to new romantic possibilities. A growing number of older adults – 50-years and older – are challenging the outdated belief that love and desire are reserved for the young. They embrace the notion that love can blossom at any age, regardless of gender or societal expectations.</p>.<p>Why is the second mountain of love more important today? As India’s population ages, the dating scene for older adults is becoming more vibrant. By 2050, estimates indicate that 20% of the population, or 320 million, will be over 60, a clear call for us to adapt our perceptions of love and companionship. While traditional norms may still pose challenges, they should not deter us from seeking connection and intimacy. Research reveals that social participation significantly enhances the well-being of older adults. A new reality show, with Michelle Obama as one of its producers, The Later Daters, explores the modern dating rules among older singles who are looking for love and rediscovering themselves.</p>.<p>Worldwide, this trend is also evident: unmarried partnerships among older Americans are rising. Census data from 2023 reveals that nearly 1.1 million older individuals live with a partner, a significant increase from just two decades ago. Some of the world’s biggest online dating companies – Match, Bumble, Tinder, Badoo – report dwindling numbers of subscribers and are witnessing their share prices plummet as users are either reporting burnout with digital interactions or seeking more authentic in-person experiences.</p>.<p>To be sure, just because someone is looking for a partner in earnest does not always translate into: finding a partner, reciprocity of feelings, maturity, or readiness. As Ahalya herself found, Indra never was able to listen to her and Gautama whom she eventually married prioritised only his work. As both Gautama and Indra discovered, love is not simply a feeling, but how you love another is an active practice requiring conscious learning, skill, and a commitment to personal growth for love to thrive.</p>.<p>To build the relationship you love as a later dater, it is important that you leverage your life experience. We are shaped by our sufferings. Use your past experience to shape your quest for love. Identify what truly matters to you and seek a partner who aligns with those values. When was the last time someone made you feel you were seen? Feeling cherished happens when someone does not project their experiences onto you and instead, understands how what you need may be different from what they need.</p>.<p>Listen deeply in safety and without judgement. Although it is easy to be detached or distracted, actively listening can occur through paying attention to the speaker’s facial expressions and body language and asking follow-up questions in thoughtful and open-ended ways. Sharing only what you feel comfortable sharing is OK for trust has to be earned before opening up your vulnerabilities.</p>.<p>Let’s redefine what love means in our later years. Embrace your Ahalya Awakening and pursue the connections you richly deserve. Love is not exclusive to the young; it belongs to everyone at any stage of life. Your second journey of love awaits – are you ready to embrace it?</p>
<p>Imagine rediscovering the thrill of love, no matter your age. This idea resonates deeply in Hindu mythology where two formidable figures, Indra and Sage Gautama, found themselves spellbound by Ahalya, a symbol of beauty crafted by the God of Creation. The King of all Gods Indra trembled with lust. For the much older Sage Gautama, guardian of divine laws, age proved hardly a temperance for ardour. A smouldering desire pierced his armour steeling against worldly pleasures.</p>.<p>Just as Indra and Gautama were captivated by her allure, many of us today are experiencing our Ahalya Awakening – a second (or even third) chance at love that ignites hope for intimacy, creativity, and connection in our later years. The landscape of love is undergoing a profound transformation, particularly in India, where societal changes over the past 35 years have reshaped attitudes toward relationships. Factors like the loss of a spouse, divorce, stalemates in marriage, shifting demographics and the fading of caregiving responsibilities have opened the doors to new romantic possibilities. A growing number of older adults – 50-years and older – are challenging the outdated belief that love and desire are reserved for the young. They embrace the notion that love can blossom at any age, regardless of gender or societal expectations.</p>.<p>Why is the second mountain of love more important today? As India’s population ages, the dating scene for older adults is becoming more vibrant. By 2050, estimates indicate that 20% of the population, or 320 million, will be over 60, a clear call for us to adapt our perceptions of love and companionship. While traditional norms may still pose challenges, they should not deter us from seeking connection and intimacy. Research reveals that social participation significantly enhances the well-being of older adults. A new reality show, with Michelle Obama as one of its producers, The Later Daters, explores the modern dating rules among older singles who are looking for love and rediscovering themselves.</p>.<p>Worldwide, this trend is also evident: unmarried partnerships among older Americans are rising. Census data from 2023 reveals that nearly 1.1 million older individuals live with a partner, a significant increase from just two decades ago. Some of the world’s biggest online dating companies – Match, Bumble, Tinder, Badoo – report dwindling numbers of subscribers and are witnessing their share prices plummet as users are either reporting burnout with digital interactions or seeking more authentic in-person experiences.</p>.<p>To be sure, just because someone is looking for a partner in earnest does not always translate into: finding a partner, reciprocity of feelings, maturity, or readiness. As Ahalya herself found, Indra never was able to listen to her and Gautama whom she eventually married prioritised only his work. As both Gautama and Indra discovered, love is not simply a feeling, but how you love another is an active practice requiring conscious learning, skill, and a commitment to personal growth for love to thrive.</p>.<p>To build the relationship you love as a later dater, it is important that you leverage your life experience. We are shaped by our sufferings. Use your past experience to shape your quest for love. Identify what truly matters to you and seek a partner who aligns with those values. When was the last time someone made you feel you were seen? Feeling cherished happens when someone does not project their experiences onto you and instead, understands how what you need may be different from what they need.</p>.<p>Listen deeply in safety and without judgement. Although it is easy to be detached or distracted, actively listening can occur through paying attention to the speaker’s facial expressions and body language and asking follow-up questions in thoughtful and open-ended ways. Sharing only what you feel comfortable sharing is OK for trust has to be earned before opening up your vulnerabilities.</p>.<p>Let’s redefine what love means in our later years. Embrace your Ahalya Awakening and pursue the connections you richly deserve. Love is not exclusive to the young; it belongs to everyone at any stage of life. Your second journey of love awaits – are you ready to embrace it?</p>
