Love happens at all ages, and seniors are no exception. The need for companionship, for marriage and for love does not diminish as one ages.

The Baltimore Sun has a great article that tells the story of Bill Miller and Jeanne Hamilton, who met on an elevator. Classic love story of “boy meets girl”, and the boy happens to be 99 and the girl is 84.

“It was love at first sight, actually,” said Miller, just after a gallant show of kissing Hamilton’s small hand, which he will hold at a Valentine’s Day dance at the Sunrise Senior Living- Brighton Gardens Assisted Living of Pikesville’s center today.

Experts attribute the tales of late-blooming romances to the fact that Americans are living longer.

Bill Miller and Jeanne Hamiltion aren’t the only ones in love. The article also tells the story of Elsie and Louie Swartze. The Swartzes have been married 65 years.

“He was on the night shift and went to school during the day,” said Elsie, 83. “I used to pass him when he would sit on the porch. He would smile; I would smile. A smile turned into a big smile, a ‘Hello’ and a ‘How are you?’ We started to talk and one thing led to another.”

Today, Louie, 88, has Alzheimer’s and barely recognizes Elsie when she comes to visit him.

But still, every day, she comes.

“He gets cold,” Elsie said, her voice low and crackly. “So I have to put my jacket on him to keep him warm.”

Many people will spend today thinking about young love. Cupid, chocolate, and love songs will dominate the day’s festivities. While these are beautiful expressions of the sentiments of the heart, one of my best memories of love is when my great-grandfather, JC, could no longer take care of himself and my 80 year-old great-grandma, Golda, started caring for him. She stayed by his side, sticking with him even when my family had to move him into a care facility
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My great-grandfather and grandmother are both gone now, but the testament of their love is still stamped on my heart. Grandma Golda was there to take care of Papa, and that’s the greatest Valentine someone could ever give.

Filed under: Alzheimer's, Elder Issues, Love & Relationships