Love in the Afternoon of Life

Love in later life—the 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond—is a thriving, fulfilling reality. It offers companionship, improved well-being, and joy, dispelling the myth that romance is reserved for the young. My husband, Ron Zalko, and I are living proof that love can blossom at any age, most especially in the afternoon of life. We met when I was 50 and he was 68 in 2018.  I was a single working mom, and my last relationship had ended 18 years prior. At that time, Ron had recently separated from his second marriage. Our first date was electric, arranged by a mutual friend. There was an instant connection, and as we talked, we felt more and more in tune with each other. We quickly realized we were on the same page and shared similar goals. 

Photo courtesy of the author. Ron Zalko and wife, Matte Laurel-Zalko.

After dating exclusively for a year, we took our relationship to the next level by moving in together and working professionally together. We both felt that finding each other in our later years revealed a newfound patience, understanding, forgiveness, and openness between us. We’ve discovered that we make a great team.  Through shared experiences, laughter, tears, and intimacy, we’ve developed a strong emotional connection. Our relationship faced challenges during our second and third years together. We were navigating life during the COVID pandemic and also going through a stressful divorce process (Ron’s divorce). These challenges, however, also strengthened our relationship and made us stronger together.  We learned we can rely on each other during times of crisis and uncertainty. In fact, we grew even closer and fell deeper in love during these difficult times.

2022 was a fantastic year for our family. We survived COVID, Ron proposed in May, my son graduated with Distinction in June, and we got married on a mountaintop in July. Eight years into our relationship, and fast forward to 2026, we’re still deeply committed to our marriage and our vows to each other. Ron and I strongly feel that love hits differently at this age — it’s more stable, more calm, it’s a deeper and more mature connection rather than intense passion.  Perhaps it’s because, as individuals, we both have a clearer understanding of ourselves. We know what we want from each other. Perhaps it’s because we’ve both lived long enough to outgrow the mind games and unnecessary drama. Perhaps it’s because we’re both older and aware of our limited time, so we want to spend the rest of our lives together in love, peace, and happiness. 

Photo courtesy of the author. Ron Zalko and wife, Matte Laurel-Zalko.

With Ron, I found my happy place and my comfort. He is my home. He’s become my husband, lover, and best friend all in one! I genuinely believe he feels the same way about me. We love celebrating and doing life as partners. We’re together 24/7 so the fact that we  enjoy spending every moment together speaks volumes about our relationship! Finding each other later in life has a profound way of touching our hearts, deeper than anything we’ve ever experienced together. It is also magical and fairytale-like that you’re each other’s last love. I’m absolutely convinced that meeting Ron later in life and falling in love with him is how it’s supposed to happen.

Ron and I are incredibly grateful to have found each other later in life.  We’re even thankful for the lessons we learned from our past  relationships. We no longer view our past relationships as failures.  Instead, we recognize that they helped us grow and heal, making us both more prepared for a healthy relationship. We suppose that’s what makes love later in life so special: we’re both so grateful and more appreciative of each other. As Jane Brontë once said, “Whatever our souls are made of—his and mine are the same.” 

Photo courtesy of the author. Ron Zalko and wife, Matte Laurel-Zalko.

I’d like to share some valuable tips that helped me find my last love, so you can find yours too.

• Reflect on your values, goals, strengths, and what you want in a partner.  This will help you know yourself and your needs.
• Be patient.  Finding the right person may take time, so maintain a positive and persistent attitude.
• Approach dating with an open mind, confidence in your worth, and clear communication.
• Embrace “Age-Defying” Dating: Prioritize vitality and shared, meaningful interests over chronological age or past experiences.
• Pursue your hobbies and interests by engaging in activities you enjoy, like cooking classes, golf, travel, or volunteering.  This will help you meet people with similar interests.

Photo courtesy of the author.

• Leverage your network by asking friends, family, and acquaintances to introduce you.  They often understand your personality and values, making them great sources of recommendations.
• Embrace online dating by using mature adult-friendly dating apps and websites to connect with others seeking companionship.
• Joining clubs and social events is a great way to meet new people, which is essential for finding romance.  Consider community groups, clubs, and volunteering.  You might also find local social events specifically for older singles, ranging from speed dating to walking groups.

Photo courtesy of the author. Ron Zalko and wife, Matte Laurel-Zalko.

Love later in life comes with wisdom and perspective.  Unlike young love, which often involves drama, later love focuses more on compatibility, partnership, and mutual understanding.  It feels like discovering a true best friend, centred around companionship and shared, comfortable joy.  There’s also a special joy in being the person someone shares their final, often most peaceful, years with. Francine Russo perfectly captured it: “Love after 50 is more satisfying than at any other stage in life. Partnering is no longer about building family and fortune—it’s about sharing intimacy as grounded individuals.”  Personally, I believe being someone’s first love is wonderful, but being their last is beyond perfect—it’s priceless.