Divorce rates for those under the age of 55 have been holding steady in recent decades. However, a growing number of individuals over the age of 55 have been heading to divorce courts in New Jersey and elsewhere over the past 30 years. Longer lifespans and changing attitudes about marriage are often cited as reasons for the rise in gray divorce.
People want to be fulfilled
These days, it isn’t uncommon for someone to be healthy and productive well after age 65. Therefore, it may make more sense to enjoy your later years with someone who is also active and productive as opposed to someone who may want little more than to sit around the house. It’s also possible for people to grow apart the longer that they are together. At some point, seeking a new partner may be preferable to sticking it out with someone you don’t have a strong connection with.
There is no shame in divorce
People who got married during the 20th century likely had different views on marriage than younger people who are getting married today. In the past, it was seen as shameful to get a divorce, and women who weren’t worried about societal pressure may not have had access to the financial resources to live on their own. However, there is less of a stigma about divorce and women have the ability to work, open bank accounts and obtain lines of credit.
A divorce settlement may contain alimony payments, a share of marital property and other resources. The amount and duration of alimony payments are typically based on your age and length of your marriage. Therefore, older individuals may be more likely to receive more generous payments assuming that they have been married for many years or decades.
