Dating and Mating Occupation of Older Adults: Activities and Routines

Societal changes and trends lead to changes in the occupations that people engage in. The aging of the American population has led to a reoccurrence of some activities in later life as well as the development of some new occupations. Dating and mate selection, an occupation typically associated with younger adults, is recurring with increased frequency in older adults. The literature contains information on some aspects of the occupation such as dating web sites for seniors but is meager with respect to the typical process, the activities and routines involved, the time it takes and the meaning it holds for this age group. This study examines the dating and mate selection processes of senior adults, 62 and above, who live independently in the community and do not have medical issues that interfere with their activity levels. Individual interviews and focus groups conducted provide the qualitative data regarding this occupation as part of phase one in a larger study. Methods of analysis for the qualitative data are those typically described for grounded theory approaches. Emergent themes of this occupation, specifically with respect to the activities and routines and the meanings these hold will be presented. Emergent theoretical concepts regarding this occupation will be the focus of the discussion time. Two previous studies conducted by author on this topic based on two other populations will likely generate interesting comparisons and stimulate further discussion