Love and partner choice in older adults

Citation

Roberts C, MacLeod M, Roberts K, Havlíček J & Lee A (2026) Love and partner choice in older adults. Roberts S (Researcher), MacLeod M (Researcher), Roberts K (Researcher), Havlíček J (Researcher) & Lee A (Researcher) Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

Abstract
While we know a great deal about the biological underpinnings of attraction and the formation of romantic relationships, research to date has focused heavily on young adults; we know relatively little about these processes in later life. Today, however, more older adults (e.g. aged 45 or older) are seeking romantic partners than at any point in human history; this is driven by demographic shifts such as an ageing population, higher divorce rates, and increasing societal acceptance regarding re-partnering after bereavement or relationship breakdown. Here we argue that current evolutionary theories of partner choice are inappropriate for understanding such later-life relationships because they are based on the needs and desires of young adults. We propose that advancing knowledge on partner choice and attraction among older adults will require new methodological tools and a reassessment of theoretical frameworks. We discuss these issues in light of existing data and theory, and provide an extended version of Miller and Todd’s lens model of partner choice that incorporates genetic compatibility (e.g. human leukocyte antigen (HLA) dissimilarity) alongside physical attractiveness, intelligence, social status, and personality. Finally, we offer initial predictions that can be tested in future work.