Despite financial hit, the number of gray divorces has tripled

For couples over 55, the U.S. divorce rate, known as “gray divorce,” has tripled since 1990. Overall, the divorce rate has doubled in the past 34 years.

“One in 10 people getting divorced today is 65 or older. That is remarkable,” Sociology Professor Susan Brown, said. “A growing share of aging adults will be aging alone.”

USA Today reports, “Several demographic factors shaped the gray divorce phenomenon, researchers say: The American population is aging. People are staying healthy longer. Couples are marrying later.”

For older Americans, the cost of gray divorce is steepest.

“I haven’t seen a scenario in which either partner is better off financially,” Certified Financial Planner Elizabeth Windisch said.

“A man can expect his standard of living to decline by 21% after a gray divorce, according to research by Brown and her colleagues. A woman’s standard of living will plunge by 45%. Both partners see their wealth decline by half,” reported Daniel de Visé.

Seth Eisenberg, a Trainer in the Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills program, known as PAIRS, said there are ten common reasons couples consider divorce:

• I can never forgive you.
• I can’t talk to you.
• I just don’t love you anymore.
• I never really loved you.
• I’ll never be happy in this relationship.

Continue at FatherhoodChannel.com.