The Impact of “Gray Divorce”?
Unfortunately, divorce as an older adult brings its own set of challenges. Dividing up assets can be more difficult with older couples who might own property and have larger financial savings. Many of their assets were accumulated together. In addition, one partner could have a pension or other retirement benefits.
The problems don’t stop with financial matters; there are health consequences. Depression, chronic stress, anxiety, isolation and loss of a caregiver are associated with “gray divorce”. Isolation can be particularly difficult for men. “Men are the ones who usually face a social ‘gray divorce penalty,’” says Jocelyn Crowley, author of “Gray Divorce: What We Lose and Gain from Mid-Life Splits” and professor of public policy at Rutgers University in U.S. News & World Report. “Men were more likely to be alienated from their children after a gray divorce because they weren’t as involved in raising them. And men no longer had the benefit of their wives’ social planning. The wife was the one who usually got families together for holidays and maintained relationships with other couples.”
Nobody ever walks down the aisle with the intention of getting divorced. However, it happens. Sadly, this is a matter which hits all age groups. Seniors have their own unique issues associated with divorce which people might not be aware of.