| Abstract: | What is understood about late life partner relationships is largely based on long‐term marriage, with little attention given to understanding the process of forming new partnerships in older adulthood. However, marked growth in cohabitation and greater awareness of living apart together (LAT) suggests a need for further investigation. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore how decisions about LAT are made among later‐life men and women. Twenty‐five participants completed life history calendars and semistructured interviews that examined how their current relationships evolved into LAT. Seven contributing factors were identified: relational and personal goals, age, caregiver burden, partner factors, relationship histories, and shifts in social mores. What participants were “doing” during the process of deciding to live apart together was working to resolve their long‐held and often ingrained beliefs about romantic relationships. Three preferences for LAT emerged from this study: opposing, ambivalent, and advocating. Future directions for research are discussed. |
