# Married apart: How some couples redefine marriage

> Couples living separately find deeper connection without sacrificing marriage
- Title: Married apart: How some couples redefine marriage | Shortify
- Summary: Couples living separately find deeper connection without sacrificing marriage Marriage works without sharing a home if couples maintain emotional connection
- Keywords: marriage, separate homes, gerontologist, aging expert, couples, communication, physical connection, news, local, Married, apart, some
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/18/married-living-apart-some-couples-redefine-what-marriage-looks-like-later-life
- Published: 2026-09-18T18:19:37.711+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: marriage, separate homes, gerontologist, aging expert, couples, communication, physical connection, news, local
## Marriage isn't about address
Gerontologist Sam Cradduck says marriage focuses on shared life, not shared address.

> I think we have to recognize that marriage isn't about sharing an address. It's about sharing a life.
## Not a new concept
Military families have lived apart for years while maintaining healthy marriages.

> Military families have done this for years. It's been around.
## Talk through logistics
Aging expert Amy O'Rourke advises discussing permanence, finances, care needs, and emergencies first.

> Is this going to be permanent? Is it temporary? How are we going to handle the money?
## Connection matters more
Dr. Rhea Rogers says distance doesn't weaken marriage if couples strengthen their bond.

> At the end of the day, you really want to strengthen the bond and it doesn't have to be the same address to do that.
## Plan for connection
Aging-well coach Katherine Ambrose stresses intentional communication and physical connection.

> Communication is key. But also physical connection is very important.
## Benefits of living together
Sharing a home helps couples practice conflict resolution in close proximity.

> I think there's absolutely benefits to being married, living in the same house and learning how to argue well.
## Key takeaway

Marriage works without sharing a home if couples maintain emotional connection