5 Reasons Why Gray Divorce Is a Rising Trend

"Even though the overall divorce rate is the lowest it's been in years, the United States has seen a significant rise in gray divorce, with women generally leading the way out. Gray divorce, also called silver splitting, refers to the divorce in couples over 50. While the overall gray divorce rate has doubled in the last three decades, the rate for couples over 65 has tripled."

"Women in heterosexual relationships of all ages initiate 70% of divorces. Although there is still some stigma attached to divorce, we have seen a shift as women feel freer to talk about their experiences. Changing the narrative from being a "failed marriage" to a "family restructuring" will continue to reduce feelings of guilt and shame around divorce. In my practice working with women navigating separation and divorce, here are the five trends I see in couples calling it quits."

"The average life span for both men and women has increased over the last three decades. Couples married for 30 or 40 years are looking ahead to the next few decades and realizing they don't want to spend their remaining years in an unfulfilling marriage. After decades of caretaking, many women want to refocus on their values, interests, and identity. Reevaluating their personal goals leads some to decide to live on their own or find a more compatible romantic relationship."

Gray divorce rates among couples over 50 have increased markedly, doubling over three decades and tripling for those over 65. Women initiate roughly 70% of divorces across heterosexual relationships. Increased longevity leads many long-term spouses to reconsider remaining decades in unfulfilling marriages, with many women seeking renewed identity, independence, or more compatible partnerships. The empty nest often prompts marital reevaluation. Infidelity peaks for men in their 70s and for women aged 50–70. Health concerns raise stress for aging couples, with gendered differences in responses. Reduced stigma and reframing divorce as family restructuring contribute to women feeling freer to separate.

Read at Psychology Today