Romance and marriage are no longer thought to be only for young people. Increasingly, seniors are dating and getting married, often throwing elaborate weddings that rival those of first marriages.

Experts agree that there are great emotional and psychological benefits to being married. Research shows that married people are happier and less likely to suffer from depression. This may be especially true of older adults whose families have long ago grown up and are involved in their own lives and families much of the time. Often widows and widowers miss the closeness of a marriage relationship but don’t believe they can find love a second time.

Sharing your life with someone you love brings benefits at any age. This couple recently wed in a retirement home. The groom is 85 and the bride is 92.

Don’t let your age or the opinions of others keep you from finding love, and if you find it, realize you are doubly blessed to have found love the second time around.