Increasing divorce rate for the over 50s

According to a recent U.S. study, the divorce rate for people aged 50 or more has doubled over the last 20 years. A similar phenomenon has been observed in several other Western countries, even as the overall divorce rate has stabilized over the past few decades. One of the possible explanations for this trend is that many divorced people who remarry are likely to divorce again — their risk of divorcing is 2.5 times higher than average.

Baby boomers seem to have higher and higher expectations of the institution of marriage. They wonder if a union will bring them the self-fulfillment and happiness that they expect from an intimate relationship once they reach retirement or as they approach it. Many look ahead to this new and long stage of life and make the choice to no longer invest in their existing relationships.

Other causes for this increase in the over-50 divorce rate could include the de parture of children from the family home, the feeling that time is running out on life, or the death of loved ones. Relationship experts believe that separation at this age usually occurs only if the marriage was already experiencing difficulties. Such difficulties might include inadequate communication and a lack of shared projects or interests.

Some of these experts are of the opinion that the longer a marriage has lasted, the more difficult life will be after a separation or divorce. There is little question that such a big decision, taken at this age, will affect children, grandchildren, and everyone in your social network. So, one piece of advice for any who might be thinking it’s time to make a choice: be sure to think things through carefully!