A day to celebrate love
Romance and friendship are enduring, making Valentine’s Day resonate all year round.
Hugh Darling, 88, and his wife Meg, 90, didn’t expect to find love in retirement but it found them anyway. The pair first met while serving on residents’ committees at Anglicare’s Castle Hill villages. Romance wasn’t on their minds, but after months of working side‑by‑side, Hugh asked Meg to join him at a village ball. They’ve been together ever since.
Now they start every day with an early‑morning cuppa and say the secret to happiness is simple: be there for each other.
This Valentine’s Day, Hugh and Meg want others to know — it’s never too late to find love.
St Valentine’s Day, celebrated on 14 February, is often associated with roses, chocolates, and the first bloom of romance.
Yet at its heart, the day is about expressing love and appreciation. That’s something that resonates just as strongly with senior couples – and people with strong, enduring friendships – as it does with younger lovers.
Love may change over time, but it does not diminish with age; in fact, it often deepens.
The origins of Valentine’s Day stretch back to ancient Rome. The celebration is commonly linked to St Valentine, a figure (or possibly several figures) believed to have lived in the third century.
One popular legend suggests that St Valentine secretly performed marriage rites at a time when they were forbidden, making him a symbol of enduring commitment.
By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day had become associated with romantic love, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, the exchange of cards and small gifts had become common practice in many countries.
Today, Valentine’s Day is embraced by people of all ages and many faiths, though the way it is celebrated can reflect your stage of life.
Younger couples may enjoy new experiences together – dining out, weekend getaways, or thoughtful surprises. For seniors, the day can be just as meaningful but perhaps focused less on grand gestures and more on shared memories, companionship, and gratitude for time spent together.
For older Australians, there are many simple and heartfelt ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Revisiting a place with special memories, such as a favourite beach, park, or café, can be deeply romantic.
A quiet lunch, picnic, or afternoon tea is often more appealing and accessible than a busy restaurant. A handwritten letter or card, sharing what you value most about your partner, can be especially touching.
Valentine’s Day can also be a time to remember a lost love or celebrate a relationship beyond traditional romance.
Seniors who are widowed or single may choose to honour friendships or family bonds. Sharing a meal with friends, calling loved ones, or treating yourself to something enjoyable can reinforces the broader message of the day: that connections matter.
Ultimately, Valentine’s Day reminds us that love is not defined by age.
Whether you’re discovering romance for the first time, celebrating decades of partnership, or remembering, with a smile, someone special who has passed away, the essence remains the same: taking a moment to acknowledge the people who have brought warmth, meaning, and joy to our lives.
While Valentine’s Day may be highlighted on your calendar, it should not be the only day of the year where you celebrate its true meaning.
As we get older and our time becomes more precious, we should appreciate the love that surrounds us every day of the year.
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