Over-60s who live apart from partners have better wellbeing, study finds

Older women and men enjoy similar mental health benefits from 'living apart, together', according to the study, soon to be published in the Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences. File photo

Those aged 60 and above who date like people in their 20s enjoy better mental wellbeing, the largest study of its kind has found.

Couples who meet in later life and decide against moving in together experience mental health benefits comparable to marriage or cohabiting — but without the “frictions”, “intense day-to-day interactions” and care commitments that come with those relationships, the research showed.