Most of us look for a partner to share life's adventures with, and who better to get the ultimate advice when finding a long-lasting love than older generations?! 

To mark Valentine's Day 2024 (14th February), residents at Priory Court Care Home in Epsom have come together to share the dos and don’ts of a long-lasting relationship to reveal the secrets to finding your soulmate for younger generations across Surrey. 

With an average age of 85, Lottie’s care home residents share their relationship dos and don’ts for younger generations:

-          ‘Take it or leave it’, shares Barbara (91)

-          ‘Be yourself and don't try to be anybody else’, shares Pamela (87)

-          ‘Be true to each other’, shares Iris (85)

-          ‘Have respect for each other’, shares Brenda (80)

87-year-old Pamela advises younger generations to “act natural on first dates” as they will find someone they truly click with. 

Pamela’s ideal first date would be “going on a walk, as it’s a good time to be alone and talk”. 

Iris (85 years old) also agrees with Pamela and shares, “Be true to each other”. She shares that younger generations should "enjoy what they’re doing because life is too short”. 

Many older adults across Priory Court Care Home have shared that it's important not to feel pressured to find your soulmate this Valentine's Day. 80-year-old Brenda believes “you should be friends before anything else and find the things you have in common”. 

Brenda went to the picture on the first date with her husband, and they married quickly after! She remembers her wedding day perfectly, especially the cake made by her husband, a pastry chef. After tying the knot, the couple enjoyed their honeymoon in Brighton. 

91-year-old Barbara keeps her relationship advice for younger generations simple and jokingly shares, “Take it or leave it!”. 

There are lots of lessons in love we can learn from older generations, shares Chris Donnelly, Co-Founder at Lottie: 

"It's amazing to hear the stories of love in our care homes and the fond memories sparked by reminiscing for each resident. What's more, there are so many lessons we can all learn from older generations - no matter your age! 

Love is something many of us search for during our lifetime, and it's often a popular topic around Valentine's Day. Since the start of February, we have seen a surge in people of all ages looking for tips for finding their soulmate, with online searches for 'help me find love' increasing by 100% and 'dating and relationship advice' growing by 50%*. 

That's why we've spoken to older generations; with over 50 years of marriage, they are the true relationship experts and know the secret to a long-lasting relationship. From respecting each other, keeping the romance alive, and not putting too much pressure on yourself to find a partner, our residents have shared many pearls of wisdom in love and romance this Valentine's Day." 

Many thanks to Lottie for providing this article.