Bill and Melinda Gates. Hugh Jackman and Debora-Lee Jackman. Rhea Perlman and Danny Devito. What do any of these couples have in common? They're all divorced after decades-long marriages. See, there's this growing trend of older couples calling it quits. And the research backs this up too—a 2021 report by the U.S. Census Bureau found that more and more couples over the age of 65 are divorcing, after being married for years, if not decades.
Why are older couples—after spending nearly half of their lives together—ending their relationships? This phenomenon, dubbed "gray divorce," is one explanation for the growing number of single-person US households.
At a Glance
Gray divorce is on the rise, and the reasons behind it are complex and varied. Statistics suggest that Baby Boomers are more prone to divorce, and factors like empty nest syndrome, shifting priorities, financial problems, and reduced stigma surrounding divorce can all play a role. Keep reading to learn more about why divorcing after age 50 is becoming more common and the potential effects this can have on a person’s well-being.
