"I was able to support him through those painful early moments, but even with all my training, I couldn't help but wonder: Why now, after all these years? What would starting over look like when he's spent most of his life with her? I had always seen their decades-long marriage as a major life milestone. But suddenly, I was overwhelmed with concern for my dad's well-being and how I could support him through such a life-altering transition."
"As I processed the news, I realized my dad was part of a growing trend. While overall divorce rates have declined since the 1990s, divorces among adults over 50 are on the rise, now making up 36 percent of all U.S. divorces. The fastest-growing group is those aged 65 and older. 1 This trend, often called "gray divorce," raises important questions about how older adults navigate emotional, financial, and lifestyle changes while facing later life on their own."
Divorces among adults over 50 now make up 36 percent of U.S. divorces, with those aged 65 and older growing fastest. Ending a decades-long marriage can feel like losing a shared history and identity, triggering grief, sadness, anger, confusion, and relief. Later-life divorce raises fears about living alone, aging, declining health, and managing chronic conditions without a partner. Rebuilding support networks and addressing financial and medical concerns can be difficult. Healing involves acknowledging emotions, setting boundaries, creating new purpose and routines, practicing self-care, and relying on supportive relationships to promote recovery and long-term well-being.
Read at Psychology Today
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