Yet in recent years, what had been dubbed 'gray divorces' is now also being called, perhaps more accurately, 'silver splits.' Because while the divorce rate among those over 50 has leveled off, adults 65 and older are now the only age group with a rising divorce rate. A recent Bowling Green State University analysis of data from 1990 to 2021 showed that the rate of divorce among couples 65 and up has tripled.
One reason: People are living longer. Sixty-five-year-olds are expected, on average, to reach age 84, according to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. More seniors embarking on the next chapter of their life are deciding that their spouse no longer fits. DC attorney Amy Spain points out that many couples-previously busy with kids and work-haven't spent extended periods of substantive, one-on-one time together in more than 30 years. Once they do have more time on their hands, they may realize that their needs and wishes aren't compatible. One person may want to spend the next few years traveling, while the other may long to stay put and focus on the grandkids.
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