Grey Divorce happens when a couple after 50 decides to divorce. In this article, we will look into the details of gray divorce. Its increase in popularity in the 21st century and the reasons behind gray marriage.
What is a Grey Divorce?
Gray divorce is a term often used when couples who are above 50 decide to separate and end their marriage. The rate of gray divorce has been increasing significantly in recent times. The percentage of couples who got divorced has doubled between 1990 and 2010.
About 40 percent of couples seeking divorce are usually 50 plus in age. The divorce rate among couples who are above 65 is much higher. The sociology professor at Bowling State University, Susan Brown used the term gray divorce who ends the marriage after 50. Susan Brown has stated that among the couple women are more likely to initiate this discussion of separation.
Edith Heyck is an artist who recently had a grey divorce. She stated that she never knew about divorce. She also said that she had discovered new freedom out of marriage. She is happy with her new life. She is engaged in doing her favorite hobbies and managing other duties.
Laurs Stassi is also another woman who got divorced late in life. She was married for almost 30 years. She has stated that she got her freedom now and gained her lost identity. She is interested in podcasting. She has a podcast titled Dating While Grey. She also said that her ex-husband gave her divorce wings and does not want to blame him for anything.
Movies like First Wives Club, released in 1996 and It Complicated, released in 2009 are the two movies that made divorces popular. The rate of divorce doubled between 1996 and 2009. Some famous personalities and celebrities have gone through divorce after their 50s. Actors Hugh Jackman, Leah Remini, Bill Gates, and Al Goreore are some of the well-known names in the public.
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Reasons for Grey Divorce
There are various reasons which make the couple decide to end their marriages. Ending a marital relationship later in life will not be an easy task for any couple. Here we can look into different factors related to the gray divorce.
Empty nest syndrome
After years of married life, when children move away from their own family and professional life the parents may find it difficult. They will begin to rethink about life and its purpose. The couples no longer find any common interest or togetherness when the children leave home.
Retirement
The retirement phase of the couples can be challenging. After retirement, the couples may start to spend more time together. There may be continuous disagreements between them leading to arguments. They may also want to find new purpose and meaning in their life. They may come and want to find new personal interests.
Increased lifespan
Due to modern healthcare facilities, the average life expectancy of humans has increased. After reaching a certain age, they may be interested in finding new hobbies and seeking other personal interests. The lifestyle changes after retirement may feel worthless to some.
Financial Independence
Now, women have more financial freedom. They have their own source of income. They are no longer dependent on their husband anymore. If they are not in a satisfied married life, the women take the initiative to end the relationship.
After the effects of Grey Divorce.
Divorce at any age is not easy. Certain impacts are not easy to overcome after divorce. We will discuss some of the after-effects of gray divorce.
Emotional impact
Divorce can be stressful for a couple who have been together for a long time. Ending a marital relationship is not easy for couples after 50s. It can also affect the couple’s mental health. The couple may have children who are adults. They may also feel emotional stress because of the divorce of their parents.
Health care
As the couple has crossed their 50s their body will no longer be the same. Their health may start deteriorating. They need more health care and nutritious food. When an older couple decides to divorce their insurance plans and other health care needs may be affected adversely. The division of health care responsibilities can also become more challenging as the couples get older.
Financial impact
The division of financial assets after divorce can be challenging for both couples. One of the partners may have to give alimony and financial support to another partner. This may become a burden for them at an older age.
Social changes
Divorce among older couples can lead to social changes. When a couple decides to get separated it will affect their social circle. Their friends and family may take sides and one of the partners may lose all of their friends. The separated couple may have to find new friends and hobbies. They have to find other ways for personal fulfillment outside of the family.
Lifestyle changes
At an older age, the couple may find it difficult to adapt to a new space after a divorce. This could be difficult for the separated couple in their older days. The couples have to start a new life and have to live separately after the divorce. The new life will not be easy for the couple. They have to manage their life alone in a new space.
Legal matters
After divorce, the couple has to divide the financial assets built by them separately. They will also have to protect their wealth. They have to undergo different legal procedures which could possibly make their journey difficult.
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Conclusion
Here in this article, we have discussed gray divorce which is rising significantly. More couples at their older age have changed their way of thinking. The approach to marriage is no longer the same. We have mentioned the details and reasons for gray divorce in this article.