Some couples in the Rockville, Maryland, area may find themselves at odds to the point where they choose to divorce. Those who have been married for many years and are older will go through what’s known as gray divorce. If you are in this situation, you might want to know the common reasons behind these splits.
What is a gray divorce?
A gray divorce is a divorce between married couples who are over the age of 50. The term “gray divorce” first arose in 2004 after the AARP did a study it later published about more and more middle-aged and older people getting divorces. The study even led to researchers projecting that by 2030, there will be an even greater number of people over 50 and even over 65 ending their marriages.
Why is gray divorce happening more often?
There are many reasons why gray divorces are occurring more often. People’s viewpoints on various issues have changed throughout the years. There was more of a focus on self-fulfillment and happiness in the 1960s and 70s, eventually leading to divorce becoming more acceptable. Women also became more independent in many ways, including financially.
In most cases, when a gray divorce happens, it’s due to the couples drifting apart after so many years of marriage. It’s even possible that some people might have become unhappy throughout the years and came to realize they had notable differences and interests and that their relationships were no longer fulfilling. These feelings only increase when a couple married for decades suddenly find themselves alone in the home as their children have left the nest.
Other reasons behind gray divorces include addiction or infidelity. Some couples have major issues regarding money, although that’s a reason for divorces among married couples of all age groups.
Ultimately, people who seek a gray divorce often want something more. Some lived through their own parents’ divorces and didn’t want to end up unhappy as they approach their golden years. Sometimes, leaving is the best thing for them instead of staying in a marriage they feel no longer works.