Gray divorce is on the rise

More and more couples are saying, "I don't," after years of being married. The 'gray divorce' as it's called, is on the rise. In her book, "Calling It Quits: Late-Life Divorce and Starting Over," Deirdre Bair says late-life divorces are an exploding phenomenon.

Eldr reports, "Somewhat surprisingly, 66 percent of 1,147 participants in the AARP study said the wife initiated the divorce. Among top reasons they gave for divorcing were abuse, particularly among women, along with differences in values and lifestyles, cheating and alcohol or drug abuse.

Straight Divorce comments, "Having spoken to a number of people working through the challenges of divorce, especially in the later years, it is highly recommended that men and women try not to do it alone, but instead consider therapy, a support group or at the very least a good friend who can be supportive through the trials of divorce. A good support system can make the process much easier. But, once older folks have decided that their marriage connection is no longer viable, even if it is difficult, they are willing to do whatever it takes to move on to something new. Simply put, Grey Divorce among older folks is becoming part of the American way of life."

Gray divorce is on the rise in America. Women are slightly more likely to leave a long-term marriage than men. Both partners of gray divorces are usually looking for more fulfilling lives.