ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the relationship patterns and how they change during retirement. One of the functions of many workplaces is that they provide social connections. Many surveys and studies have indicated that marital relationships either improve or stay the same when couples retire. Expectations that retirement will allow for more and enriched family time are not always realised. The busy lives of people adult children are unlikely to have altered just because they have retired. For those who are lucky enough to have young grandchildren, assisting with babysitting and childcare can be a wonderful opportunity to create powerful bonds with the grandchildren as well as strengthen family relationships in general. Elderly relatives or one's partner may also be in need of care. Demographic trends in Western nations suggest that a rising share of unpartnered people will be entering retirement age in the near future.
