Gray divorce refers to when couples over the age of 50 decide to separate. While most people in society still believe that divorce is for the young, an increasing number of older couples have decided to call it quits. In fact, the rate of gray divorce has doubled since 1990.
Any couples who wish to separate need to pursue legal assistance to ensure everything is correct. However, it can also be insightful to learn more about why older couples have decided to separate. It may help you better understand your marriage or better see why your friends have decided to separate later in life.
50 is a new stage of life
Decades ago, life expectancy was in the 60s and 70s. Once people hit 50, they did not have a ton of time left, so it made sense to remain with the same spouse. However, more people than ever before live into their 80s and 90s. When you turn 50, it is the next chapter of life instead of the end. Many people have raised their children, and they are out of the house. They still have years left, and they wish to separate to enjoy life to the fullest.
Different visions of the future
When you turn 50, you have one eye toward retirement. Spouses may have different ideas about how they wish to spend their golden years. Some people want to travel around the world while others want to work until they cannot work anymore. These differences can create divisions within couples, and it makes sense that they would want to see other people.
Still of sound mind
It is much more difficult to divorce a partner when he or she is not of sound mind to understand legal paperwork. Therefore, many couples want to divorce in their 50s so that they can separate while they are still young and have their mental faculties.
