As an older couple in Colorado, you may have reached a point where you no longer feel like your marriage is sustainable. If you decide to get a divorce, you will join many other retirement-aged individuals in “grey divorce”.
Over the years, grey divorce has grown more common. But what exactly is it that has spurred on this change? What has made older couples stop and take stock of their marriage so late in life?
Lifespan influences perspective and leads to divorce
Forbes looks at some of the reasons behind grey divorce, a phenomenon that has only increased over the years. Experts think a myriad of reasons contribute to the increase. First, you will likely enjoy a longer lifespan than your grandparents or great-grandparents did. Up until the Baby Boomer generation, people often stayed in loveless marriages in their retirement years. They did not think they had time to find love again. That is not true for you.
Next, your retirement years give you the chance to take stock of your personal relationships. You likely spent your 20s, 30s and 40s figuring out your life. You worked hard on your career or started and raised a family. When your kids leave and you do not have a job to focus on, you only have a spouse you may not even recognize anymore.
Long histories of financial struggle can add up
A long history of financial struggles is also a top cause for grey divorce. In general, financial issues is a big drive in the rifts between couples. But if you have been dealing with money management or debt struggles for years or decades, it can get old fast.
Grey divorce is the same as divorce for everyone else. It differs depending on your unique experiences and perspective. But divorce is nothing to feel ashamed over, no matter what age you are.