The Naked Truth | How to avoid a ‘grey divorce’? Expert tips on keeping your marriage happy in older age, and how to salvage it when things aren’t right
- ‘Grey divorce’ – divorce among older adults – is on the rise, driven by increased life expectancy and changing societal attitudes, among other factors
- Open and honest communication that allows each other to freely express feelings and concerns is essential to saving a long-term marriage, a psychologist says
While divorce rates in general have been rising, the phenomenon of divorce among older adults, often referred to as “grey divorce”, has been particularly notable.
Many factors contribute to this growing trend, but experts believe that increased life expectancy and changing societal attitudes have played a part.
As people are living longer, healthier lives compared to previous generations, it means that individuals may have more years ahead of them after reaching middle age or retirement. As a result, they may reassess their priorities and seek happiness and fulfilment in new relationships later in life.
In many cases, older adults have achieved a certain level of financial stability and independence, enabling them to consider divorce instead of feeling trapped in an unhappy marriage because of economic constraints.
Societal perceptions about divorce have also shifted and it is no longer as stigmatised as it once was. Individuals feel more empowered to end unhappy marriages, even in the later stages of life. There is greater acceptance and understanding that personal happiness and well-being are important at any age.
