186 Polyamory in the Second Half of Adulthood with Kathy Labriola

For too long, conversations about polyamory have centered on younger people. But what happens to open relationships as we get older? Kathy Labriola, author of many groundbreaking titles including The Jealousy Workbook, joins us to explain why age doesn’t have to mean the end of polyamory. In fact, non-monogamy can actually become more valuable as we age.

It is so important for our community to have access to non-monogamous representation and stories. As someone who has been a polyamorist for 50 years, Kathy is a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and stories.

In this episode, we talk about:

— Why polyamory can be an especially resilient model for aging

— How having multiple partners can provide emotional and practical support in later years

— The unique perspective of poly elders who've been practicing consensual non-monogamy for decades

— Why some people discover and embrace polyamory later in life

— Common concerns for older folks exploring non-monogamy (like family reactions and healthcare)

— The evolution of resources and support for the polyam community

— How relationship needs and desires naturally shift with age

— Why traditional models of coupling may become less appealing in later years

— The wisdom poly elders have gained from decades of experience

— Ways that disability and changing abilities impact relationships

— The importance of having multiple support systems as we age

Resources mentioned in this episode:

— Polyamorous Elders: Aging in Open Relationships by Kathy Labriola

— Kathy Labriola's website

— Kathy’s other books including The Polyamory Breakup Book, Love in Abundance, and The Jealousy Workbook

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Music: Dance of Felt by ⁠Blue Dot Sessions