A Swarthmore couple have written a book to help those over 50 navigate the challenges of love and marriage, writes Sandy Bauers for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Julia Mayer and Barry Jacobs have been married for 30 years. They are also therapists and clinical psychologists. They’ve written “Love and Meaning After 50.”

Older couples can face an empty nest, money problems, infidelity, health issues and downsizing.

But there’s also opportunities to deepen intimacy and emotional connections.

Couples may not recognize each other later in life after raising children or focusing on careers.

“We want couples to take this opportunity, remember why they got together in the first place and build in resilience, make it stronger, plan their future together,” Mayer said.

Divorce for couples over 50 has doubled, tripled for people over 65.  In a bad or lukewarm marriage, one partner may no longer want to make sacrifices for the other and so they leave.

These older divorces have negative financial and emotional consequences.

Older couples in trouble should make and discuss a checklist of what really matters to each person. It’s important that each really listen to the other, without judgement.

Read more about finding love and meaning after 50 here.