Posted on 06/13/2012 7:39:16 AM PDT by BenLurkin
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The divorce rate is soaring among people in their 50s — and it’s most often the wife who wants out.
Since 1990, the divorce rate has doubled to 1 in 4 among couples over 50 years old, who are also referred to as “empty nesters.”
The trend is being called “Grey Divorce” and is outlined in a study published by Bowling Green State University.
Century City Family Divorce Attorney Marlo Von Oorschot wrote a book on the subject.
“People look at their marriages and say I could live’ til I’m 90 years old and do I wanna stay in this marriage?”
*In addition to longevity, women are sometimes more financially independent than before, there’s less social pressure to stay married and more focus on individual happiness.
A national survey conducted by AARP finds the majority of split ups are being initiated by women.
“Women in their 40s, 50s, 6o’s still feel very youthful and, if you’re in a marriage where your needs aren’t being met,…we have choices today,” Von Oorschot said.
That may be why dating websites catering to that generation are growing in popularity.
But Von Oorschot said while divorce is a difficult decision — at any age — it can come with more risks at a later age.
“The plans this couple had for 20, 30 years to retire at a certain age are derailed,” the attorney said.
Older couples undergoing divorce may be forced to have to start working again and losing health benefits.
But some believe that when a person is no longer in sync with their partner it can be much more rewarding to tend to their own needs
Stupid is as stupid does, and “clever” is not “smart”.
Women’s “needs” are the reason for these divorces?
Feminist and liberal types are often outraged at any discussion of men’s needs in a marriage or relationship. But apparently it’s okay to talk about women’s needs, and that it’s okay for women to jettison the relationship if her needs aren’t being met.
And of course, it’s the man’s fault for not catering to these needs of hers.
Then again, the liberal view is that marriage is an oppressive institution, and that women need to break free and all of that.
I wonder how often this coincides with the kids being grown up and out of the house, or someone taking an early retirement.
Which will likely be: 1) having an affair; 2) divorcing and then getting into a new marriage where your needs aren't being met; or 3) divorcing and going it alone. We'll see how well that works out.
Yeah, that old "till death do you part" vow is SO last century.
Hasn't this been the whole problem the last few decades? Governments & advertisers have been appealing to "self"-ishness, and it's costing us our society.
“Baby Boomers” are well into their 70’s.
The hippies of the 1960’s are now in their 50’s.
tagging for a later read
I’m going through this right now...wife left me after 33 years of marriage. I’m the one “left behind.” Wife and her attorney are still in the process of strip mining my life and finances.
I’ve decided my new retirement plan is to work until I’m dead. ...whole thing sucks...hope she’s happy now.
2 word of advice:
Non-traceable assets
I thought this is why there is a preponderence of ED commercials on TV. I particularly like the ED informercial with the very hot “doctor” who has 3-4 people in her discussion group and they are discussing how this brings couples together.
Our divorce rate is way too high..many marriages could probably be saved. That being said I would never want to go back to the "good old days" where people felt they had to stay in a bad marriages due to religious or social pressures.
Kinda surprised its the women that are opting out. Would think that the men would, especially since many younger women like the financial security than an older man can provide. That and the fact that many younger men aren’t marriage material. Raquel Welch aside, over 40 woman are typically past her prime. Not sure who these cougar wannabees thinks is out there waiting for ‘em.
.
Get divorced: double your food stamps, rent assistance, heating assistance, medicaid...
A satanic government, and a media to fit.
“Baby Boomers” are well into their 70’s. The hippies of the 1960’s are now in their 50’s.
The oldest Boomers turn 66 this year. The youngest, 48. The 60s’ hippies are in their 60s.
I wonder what % of the divorces can be traced to menopause. I thought PMS was bad until my wife went through the insanity stage of life. Whoa!
Too much watching the MAP network. (Men are Pigs aka Lifetime)
I am totally convinced that in today’s society the greatest thing that a couple can do to help create a happy marriage is to turn off the TV set.
I was born in the 1960's and now I am in my fifties. My generation came after the hippies.
Most of the aging hippies I encounter are 70 plus.
Not really. Do the arithmetic. Baby boom 1945 - 1950, 2012-1945= 67. 2012 - 1950 = 62. This would make them in their 60s NOT their 70s
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