How healthy relationships are built (and broken) in midlife with Nahum Kozak
In this edition of Prime Time we explore how our most important relationships change in midlife and how we can connect better with our partner as these shifts occur.
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How healthy relationships are built (and broken) in midlife with Nahum Kozak
In this edition of Prime Time we explore how our most important relationships change in midlife and how we can connect better with our partner as these shifts occur. I’m talking with Senior Psychologist Nahum Kozak from Lighthouse Relationships who has so much wisdom, empathy and expertise in this area, it’s boggling.
This episode unpacks the shifts and changes that relationships undergo as we transition from working life to retirement. Nahum offers deep insights into how these changes can impact our identity and intimacy, and shares practical strategies for strengthening connections and navigating conflicts. Whether you're looking to deepen your relationship or understand the complexities of love in your Prime Time and retirement, this conversation is packed with valuable advice and real-world solutions.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of our conversation:
We're diving into how relationships evolve as we shift from full-time work to retirement, and the impacts this has on our identity and connections. “Who am I now that I’m not a worker, and more importantly, who are we now - I haven’t seen you for the last 20 years. How do we figure that out?”
Nahum shares insights on the significant benefits of maintaining strong relationships, suggesting they can add up to 15 years to our lives. He also talks to how.
We explore the dynamics of relationships and conflict management, including groundbreaking studies that predict relationship outcomes with stunning accuracy.
Tips for managing conflict effectively, understanding emotional responses, and keeping calm during disagreements.
Couples can be together for years and years, and at the point where their children leave home they find they don’t really know each other. Nahum has some terrific suggestions about how to rebuild the connection.
Reidentifying with yourself after many years of managing the household logistics being your primary identities within a couple. There’s a real window that can open up in midlife, when the kids don’t need you.
Reinvigorating your relationship involves getting curious about your partner all over again. Nahum suggests ways to date your partner and rediscover yourself.
With retirement on the horizon, Nahum discusses how to align and share dreams and goals, ensuring mutual respect and understanding.
Sexy time and how it might change. Discussing the changes in intimacy as we age and strategies to maintain a fulfilling sexual relationship despite these changes.
Addressing the tough topics of relationship betrayal and affairs, the pain, the atonement, the attunement and the rebuilding of trust.
Nahum explains the sorts of help that are available to couples from relationship counsellors and couples therapy. And he also tells us what not to waste time on!
Nahum really brought invaluable insights to our discussion, offering practical advice for anyone looking to strengthen their closest love relationships as they navigate major life transitions like the kids leaving the nest, you leaving a full time role, or approaching and stepping into retirement.
I really enjoyed this conversation. And I learnt a lot! Have a listen - maybe you’ll find some gold in here too.
I’m off to hike the Three Capes in Tasmania this week… a Prime Time challenge I’ve wanted to do for a while. I’ve never hiked 50km before — can’t wait to report back on how it goes.
Catch you next week, and in the meantime, make your Prime Time count!
Many thanks! Bec Wilson
Author, podcaster, guest speaker, retirement educator … Visit my website for more info about me, here
PS… Very early next week I’ll be launching my LAST How to have an Epic Retirement 6 week Flagship Course for the year. If you’re curious and want to grab an earlybird deal when it launches, register your interest here. It kicks off on the 10th October 2024!