In the United States, older couples are divorcing at a higher rate than younger couples. According to Forbes, this may be due to a disappearing stigma around divorce. It is much more socially acceptable to divorce for several different reasons.
When marriages reach a certain age, some people assume that there will never be a divorce. The truth is that marriages that last 20, 30 or even 40 years may dissolve and there is still a future for those who seek divorce. Why do older adults seek a divorce?
Infidelity can happen later in life
Infidelity is a cause for gray divorce. It may be due to the rise of social media and dating sites that cater to married individuals. Some people may even seek younger partners due to different levels of attraction. When one partner is unfaithful, it can destroy a relationship.
Financial burdens can damage a relationship
Financial issues can hurt relationships of any age. In a gray divorce, there may be one partner who earns most of the money. In other cases, there may be one partner who overspends or recklessly handles the finances.
Longer lifespans can cause people to drift apart
People are living longer than ever. Couples may stop sharing the same vision of the future. One person may choose to live an active lifestyle well into older adulthood whereas the other spouse does not. This can become a burden where one person wants to focus on health. Other examples include one spouse choosing to spend his or her twilight years traveling whereas the other does not want to.
