Freedom and Independence At Midlife & Beyond

AARP SEGUNDA JUVENTUD offers an exclusive look into 40+ Hispanics loving single life

Source: AARP Press Center | August 1, 2005

A new study release by AARP, Sus vidas y amores…Latino Singles at Midlife and Older, finds that for the most part single Latinos enjoy the freedom of being unattached and are not that quick to give up their independence. The study surveyed single Latinos nationally, ages 40 to 69 about their thoughts and feelings on what it means to be single or divorced, and dating. The survey found that the majority of Latino singles (77%) have been living single for a while, over five years or never married and the majority (two-thirds) of those surveyed feel they have a good life. Nearly two-thirds of Hispanic singles cite freedom and independence as their favorite thing about being single. Findings from this survey are featured exclusively in the August/September issue of AARP SEGUNDA JUVENTUD.

In terms of the dating scene, the majority of those who are actively dating cited emotional baggage or people who push for serious relationships as their biggest complaint (74%). The survey found that Latinos are much less shy when it comes to dating than the general population who cited shyness and awkwardness as the top frustration in dating. While the majority of Latino singles who are dating meet dates through friends, family or neighbors (68%), the men surveyed were more willing to pick up dates at supermarkets, malls, sporting events, bars, clubs, and while on travel. Latinas relied heavily on hobby activities (46%) as their second most popular way to meet dates.

Divorce was also revealed as something that has influenced Latino singles views on dating. Over half of those surveyed have experienced a divorce, citing cheating as the number one reason (25%). Although, the majority of those divorced have resumed dating, the women (65 %) were more likely than men (47%) to have no intention to remarry. This resistance to marriage was also mirrored among Latino singles who are dating, where the majority (54%) stated that they would prefer to live with someone as long as the relationship was exclusive and committed instead of getting married.

AARP SEGUNDA JUVENTUD commissioned this survey as a follow-up to the 2003 AARP study of singles ages 40-69 in the general population.

In addition to this exclusive study, the August/September issue of AARP SEGUNDA JUVENTUD also features a cover story with the award-winning CNN correspondent and anchor of NPR's Latino USA program, Maria Hinojosa, who discusses life after CNN and finding her voice through journalism.

As a second-part to its Building for Life: Our Sanctuary home series, AARP SEGUNDA JUVENTUD looks into the world of finding the right professionals to help remodel your home. Included some tips on finding the right contractor and how to avoid some common mistakes when remodeling your home.

News, information, and features, many drawn from the magazine, will be highlighted on Segunda Juventud en la radio. The program can be heard at celebradio.com or check with your local broadcast station.

AARP SEGUNDA JUVENTUD is the only U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community. Since its debut in Houston, New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Puerto Rico in 2002, AARP SEGUNDA JUVENTUD'S distribution has almost tripled. Today AARP SEGUNDA JUVENTUD reaches 600,000 members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The magazine has a dedicated editorial staff in AARP's national office, and uses premier Hispanic writers to pen articles.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP SEGUNDA JUVENTUD, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and the Web site, www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is our affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

To receive a complimentary copy of August/September 2005 issue of AARP SEGUNDA JUVENTUD please contact Aaron Shulman at 202-434-2391 or ashulman@aarp.org.

To interview editor Gabriela Zabalúa-Goddard, please contact Muriel Cooper at 202-434-2597 or mcooper@aarp.org.