And even though people rarely talk about it, love in this stage of life carries very real dangers to your peace, your autonomy, and even your finances.

Below are the most common risks I see, and how to protect your well-being without giving up the possibility of a genuine, healthy relationship.

1. Mistaking loneliness for love

Many people over 60 have endured profound losses—divorce, widowhood, shifts in friendships, or children moving on with their own lives.
Loneliness becomes a deep, persistent ache.

So when someone attentive and kind appears, the brain often labels that relief as love.

But often… it isn’t love.
It’s need.