Couple Relationships in the Middle and Later Years: Their Nature, Complexity, and Role in Health and Illness

Today's older couples often look and function differently from those of the past. Lifespans have increased. Retirement, spousal role equity, and family caregiving needs look different now, and cultural shifts have shaped the prevalence and visibility of nontraditional older relationships, such as same-sex and living-apart-together (LAT) couples. With such an increased variety in relationship forms and social contexts, what does the research say about the nature and quality of today's older couple relationships? And what are the complex links between relationships and health? In this cutting-edge volume, the authors present the latest theoretical, methodological, and empirical perspectives in the field of middle-age and older couple relationships. The chapters cover a broad range of topics, including sexual intimacy, role equity, the impact of retirement, loneliness, chronic disease management, and couple negotiation of everyday tasks. Implications for couples therapy and policy are included. The chapter authors and the volume editor bring to light both the vulnerabilities and strengths of couples in these age groups as they navigate longer lives and a changing society.