Polyamory and Aging: Secrets to Thriving Relationships
Discover the keys to thriving polyamorous relationships later in life with therapist, nurse, and author Kathy Labriola, who boasts 50 years of experience living a polyamorous lifestyle.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Overcoming Jealousy: A common hurdle in non-monogamy, Kathy shares practical strategies from her transformative "Jealousy Workbook" to manage this emotion effectively.
Communication Tools: Build strong, lasting connections with essential communication tips for navigating polyamory in your golden years.
Planning for the Future: Learn the importance of updated healthcare guidelines, legal considerations like wills and power of attorney, and practicalities of shared living arrangements.
The Benefits of Polyamory in Later Life: Discover how polyamory offers a robust support system, financial advantages, and the excitement of new connections.
Visibility and Advocacy: Explore the Week of Visibility for Non-Monogamy (OPEN) and the fight for recognition and protection of polyamorous relationships.
Unlock the secrets to maintaining thriving polyamorous relationships as we age with insights from Kathy Labriola, a seasoned therapist, nurse, and author who has 50 years of experience living a polyamorous lifestyle. In this episode, Kathy shares her wisdom from her latest book, "Polyamorous Elders," and offers practical advice on addressing jealousy—a common hurdle in non-monogamous relationships. Discover the transformative impact of Kathy's "Jealousy Workbook" and gain essential communication tools to build strong, fulfilling connections in your golden years.
Navigating jealousy is a key aspect of maintaining any polyamorous relationship. Kathy Labriola emphasizes the importance of her "Jealousy Workbook," which has been instrumental for many in managing this complex emotion. The workbook offers a variety of exercises and techniques, allowing individuals to find the strategies that work best for them. Jealousy, often viewed as an inevitable aspect of polyamory, can be managed effectively with the right tools, making room for healthier and more open relationships.
Aging brings its own set of challenges and considerations, especially for those in polyamorous relationships. Kathy highlights the necessity of staying updated on healthcare guidelines, such as the revised mammogram age, and underscores the importance of preventative healthcare. As we age, practical and legal preparations become crucial. Kathy stresses the need for having wills, directives to physicians, and durable powers of attorney in place. These documents ensure that your medical and financial wishes are respected, especially in emergency situations. Personal anecdotes from Kathy reveal the significance of choosing the right individuals to make these critical decisions.
Polyamorous relationships offer unique benefits, particularly in later life. Kathy discusses how polyamory can provide a robust support system during times of illness or retirement. The sharing of resources and living arrangements, such as duplexes or shared households, can mitigate financial strains often faced by aging monogamous couples. Polyamorous groups, through intentional relationship planning, can achieve long-term stability while maintaining the excitement of new connections. This intentionality in planning, whether for stability or for transient relationships, is vital for the success of polyamorous arrangements.
Visibility and advocacy for polyamory are also essential topics discussed in the episode. Kathy celebrates the Week of Visibility for Non-Monogamy, known as OPEN, which aims to normalize and protect non-monogamous relationships. Significant political advancements, such as ordinances in Oakland and Berkeley that protect polyamorous individuals from discrimination, are highlighted. Personal anecdotes and humor about common misconceptions of polyamorous lifestyles further emphasize the need to broaden societal definitions of what is considered "normal." Creating inclusive spaces for all types of relationships, from the mundane to the transgressive, is a key takeaway from this discussion.
The podcast begins with Kathy Labriola sharing her extensive experience in polyamory, drawing from her book "Polyamorous Elders." The importance of addressing jealousy is immediately underscored, with Kathy noting that jealousy can be one of the most challenging aspects of polyamorous relationships. Her "Jealousy Workbook" is praised for its practical exercises, which can help individuals manage their emotions effectively. Kathy advises listeners to focus on the exercises that resonate most with them, acknowledging that different strategies work for different people.
As the episode progresses, the conversation shifts to the practicalities of aging in a polyamorous context. Updated healthcare guidelines, such as those for mammograms, are discussed, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and proactive about one's health. Legal considerations, including the necessity of having wills and directives to physicians, are also covered in detail. Kathy shares personal stories to illustrate the importance of being prepared for unexpected medical and legal challenges, highlighting the need for careful selection of individuals who will make crucial decisions in times of crisis.
The long-term benefits of polyamory, particularly as individuals age, are explored next. Polyamorous relationships can provide a strong support network, with multiple partners and metamours offering emotional and financial assistance. Shared living arrangements and resource pooling are practical advantages that can ease the financial burden often associated with aging. Kathy emphasizes the need for intentionality in relationship planning, whether the goal is long-term stability or the enjoyment of new, transient connections.
The final chapter of the episode focuses on visibility and advocacy for polyamorous relationships. The Week of Visibility for Non-Monogamy, known as OPEN, is celebrated for its role in normalizing non-monogamous relationships. Significant political advancements, such as protective ordinances in Oakland and Berkeley, are discussed, showcasing the progress being made in securing rights for polyamorous individuals. Personal anecdotes and humorous stories about common misconceptions highlight the ongoing need to challenge societal norms and create inclusive spaces for diverse relationships.
In summary, this podcast episode offers a comprehensive guide to thriving in polyamorous relationships as we age. Kathy Labriola's expertise provides valuable insights into managing jealousy, preparing for legal and medical challenges, and leveraging the unique benefits of polyamory. Whether you are a seasoned polyamorous individual or new to the concept, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration for building strong, fulfilling connections in your golden years.