What are the reasons for gray divorce?

The following infographic gives some of the reasons for gray divorce. Analysis of divorce data reveals that divorce rates among people of 65 and over in the U.S. tripled between 1990 and 2021. The trend appears to be driven by baby boomers and doesn’t show signs of slowing down.

The trend of gray divorce is rising in many countries while divorce rates in other age groups are dropping. Factors contributing to this rise include higher life expectancy and more financial independence for women. Social attitudes are also changing – couples no longer feel that have to stick it out, even if they are unhappy.

An undeniable world-wide increase in gray divorce

Researchers call this the ‘gray divorce revolution’. A study found that the divorce rate in the U.S. for over 50s has doubled since 1990 and more than doubled for those over 65. They project that by 2030 the number of persons aged 50 and older who divorce will grow by a third.

The explosion isn’t isolated to the U.S. and the same trends are being seen in the U.K., Europe, and Australia. Japan is experiencing what they call the ‘retired husband syndrome’. Couples married for 30 years or more have seen their divorce rate quadruple.

A longer life

People are living for longer. Most countries are experiencing a growth in the proportion of older people in the population. By 2030 the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that 1 in 6 people in the world will be 60 or older. This is happening for a number of reasons, including improvements in medicines and nutrition.

An empty nest

Experiencing an empty nest as adult children leave home often makes couples wonder what they now have in common. As they have the chance of living well into their 80s, they still have a good number of years left together. If they are happily married this can be an opportunity to enjoy traveling together and much more. However, many couples find that they have drifted apart. Some of them may have been unhappy for years and see the remaining decades as an opportunity to pursue personal happiness.

Independent women

Women have become more financially independent since they joined the workforce. A woman who has financial autonomy may initiate divorce if she no longer feels fulfilled in her relationship. These women may be entrepreneurs or have great careers and this often means they have greater expectations for their partners and relationships. When their expectations aren’t met, they may decide to end a marriage.

Sexual problems

Many couples over the age of 50 have problems in their sex life. Aging often brings with it reductions in hormone levels and use of medications which can decrease sexual desire. When one partner is much more interested in sex than another, problems can occur. Infidelity can become an issue and this is often cited as a reason for divorce.

Social media

If a long-term marriage is unhappy, there can be temptation to go on social media platforms to see who else is out there. Social media adds another layer of complexity to a relationship, whether one partner or both are online. Inappropriate interactions on social media can cause jealousy and mistrust. They may even lead to infidelity and put an end to a marriage.