Aging in Open Relationships - A List of Resources

Monogamy not only provides a script for how to interact in our romantic relationships, but it also provides an outline for the different stages of life. For those in open relationships, aging still happens, but we do not necessarily have the social scripts that tell us what to anticipate or expect, and we might not have polyamorous elders around us to help us navigate the natural changes that come with aging.

If you are interested in learning more about aging in open relationships, here are a few resources I recommend:

1. Polyamorous Elders: Aging in Open Relationships by Kathy Labriola*
   
   This book explores the unique group of elders, ages fifty-five and older, who practice some form of consensual nonmonogamy. It covers both the joys and challenges of multiple relationships for elders and explores how their relationships develop and evolve. Polyamorous elders have the complexities of juggling multiple relationships, as well as navigating all the issues of aging: managing medical conditions and disabilities (their own and/or their partners’); assuming caregiving responsibilities for aging relatives; grieving the deaths of parents, siblings, and partners; retiring from careers and starting new lives; and potentially moving into some form of senior living.
2. Are Elders Better at Polyamory? with Kathy Labriola
   
   In this Multiamory podcast, Kathy Labriola - the author of the book listed above - discusses the following topics (this is not a comprehensive list!):
   -The physical and mental health concerns and the need for care
   -Retirement communities
   -How the life change of retirement impacts people?
3. Aging in Polyamory Part One and Part Two by Dr. Elisabeth Sheff
   
   In this two-part blog post, Dr. Eli Sheff reviews her research on the polyamorous community since 1996 to consider topics such as children, community, physical impacts of aging, and friendship.

Please let me know if there are any resources you love that I can add to this list.

In curiosity,
Dr. S. Kay Webb

*Please note that I receive a very small payment if purchased through my link.