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What are the reasons behind gray divorce?

Divorce During Later Years of Life

Gray divorce refers to the divorce of older people. In the past, older adults may stay together as they age, but this is not the case anymore. 

According to Forbes, while the divorce rate amongst most declined, it increased with people over the age of 50. 

Couples grow apart 

Often, if you talk to a divorced couple about the reasons behind their split up, you will hear that they grew apart. In a lot of cases, if you marry someone, after years, you may realize that you do not have the same spark that you used to. 

Couples struggle with finances 

Do you find yourself arguing with your spouse or former spouse about finances? Financial management problems are one of the most common reasons that a couple might seek a divorce. If one person overspends, it can cause a strain on the relationship. 

Couples have better health 

Health is better now than it was in the past. Older adults have a longer lifespan and hence they are more likely to consider their happiness as they age. They are less likely to stay with their partner in their 50s, if they know that they could find a new partner. In addition, if one partner is more active than the other, he or she may seek a partner that is similar. 

Couples are unfaithful 

In gray divorce, infidelity is one of the leading causes of divorces amongst older couples. In the past, cheating carried more of a stigma than it does nowadays. Older partners may begin to find younger people attractive and the availability of dating sites, cheating is becoming more common.