I believe you have mislabled your point entirely. The point is not that he 'needs to change' so much as ee needs to CARE. I would be the first one to cheer her on for getting out of an unfulfilling and unloving relationship, however never in My most understanding moments would I be encouraging her to complain that he 'had to change' by however grudgingly doing those 'little things' you just mentioned. If he just does not care for her enough to take care of here and appreciate her, it is not his 'changing' that is going to make it all work out in the end. Moreover, why in the name of all that is Holy would you want to spend the rest of your life with someone who does not care for you? If, however, she had merely decided that after all those years of marriage she could no longer stand to watch the same programs on the telly he did or him not attempting to make more of himself at his job so that they could get some of the more expensive Finer Things In Life, then I have absolutely no sympathy. From all that you say, that is not the case in this instance and I for one encourage her to find someone that will truly love her. I would warn anyone, however to be cautious in such matters, as things are not always as they seem...
Honestly,
She's not the least bit interested in 'falling in love'.
Most women I know in her age range really aren't looking to get married again. All she wants is "to have some peace". Perspective changes as you get older, I think, and being alone isn't nearly as terrifying as being with someone that doesn't love you.
I agree with you, anyone, male or female who ends a marriage for frivilous reasons will never be happy in life.