Baby boomers have contributed a lot to society, but unfortunately an increasing divorce rate is one of their more recent contributions.
Studies indicate that the baby boomer generation, people born between 1946 and 1964, has the highest divorce rate in American history. They are also the only generation that has an increasing divorce rate as they age.
Gray divorce and the boomer generation
Divorce that occurs when couples are over age 50, is typically labeled “gray divorce.” Since all baby boomers are now over that age, baby boomer divorce can also be considered gray divorce.
According to the PEW research center, the divorce rate among people ages 50 and up doubled in the past 25 years. For comparison, the divorce rate in people ages 25 to 39 decreased by 21 percent.
So why are so many older Americans getting divorced later in life?
Causes of gray divorce
There are a few factors that may contribute to the rising trend of gray divorce in the United States. A few potential reasons may be:
- Financial issues – Couples struggling with debt or disparages in income can contribute to the cause of a divorce. Arguing about finances can be a large issue that couples may not be able to overcome.
- Growing apart – People who have been married for a number of years may simply grow apart and fall out of love as they grow older.
- Infidelity – An increase in cheating and extramarital affairs may contribute to higher divorce rates in baby boomers and older individuals.
- Longer lives – As health and living conditions improve and people live longer, couples may discover that they want to seek true happiness. Older people may now realize they have more time to explore what will truly make them happy in a relationship.
Whatever the cause may be, more baby boomers are getting divorced than ever before. Divorce, at any age, is stressful and draining. Finding support and assistance can help get you through the process.