Seniors find 'bonus' love

A new chapter of "happy" is written as Cupid's arrow has struck Rick and Carol with "bonus" love and friendship.

February is the month of love. Cupid is the most recognized symbol of love in Roman mythology. The myth of Cupid’s arrow is known to cause a person to be “struck” to fall in love and no one is entirely immune to Cupid’s arrow.

This holds true in the community of Brookdale Westlake Village where there is no age limit to finding love … again. A new love among seniors that have been widowed can be delicate. There is a sensitivity on many levels when love opens a new chapter in one’s life.

Ageism, a form of discrimination that, at times, silently exists in how we view being “senior” has struggled with finding love after the loss of a spouse. In a senior living community, the language of loss is common and it is the thread that weaves new friendships.

How hopeful to think that as we age and the chapters in life that are inevitable – the saddest ones, the ones of loss, grief and being alone after we lose our loved ones – could possibly not be the final chapter? It is a sensitive subject. However, it is one to really ponder. Happiness? We all want to be happy.

How about a "bonus happy" in life? By definition a bonus is “something more than expected.” We asked several residents that found their bonus happy and how they dealt with the “survivor’s guilt,” “the widow’s weep,” “the widower’s wail.” There was unity in the response that their loved one would have wanted them happy and protected. 

Love is in the air as we celebrate February and honor those that open their hearts to finding their new happy.