Why More Couples Over 50 Are Divorcing — And What Experts Say About It

Created: 20 October 2025

While divorce has long been a reality for many couples, a particular trend has been steadily gaining attention: grey divorce, when people separate after the age of 50. Though often overshadowed by headlines about younger couples separating, divorces among older adults have been on the rise for decades.

In fact, according to research published in The Journals of Gerontology, under 9% of divorces involved adults over 50 in 1990. By 2019, that figure jumped to 36%. Researchers suggest that Baby Boomers are primarily driving this surge and identify several cultural and societal shifts impacting the rising rates of grey divorce.

During the 1970s, it became easier and more socially acceptable to end an unhappy marriage. Divorce laws relaxed, and stigma faded. Importantly, the women’s liberation movement gained momentum around the same time, giving women more legal rights and financial independence. Today, women have options that weren’t available to previous generations, from better education to higher employment rates. They’re more empowered to leave a marriage that no longer serves them. Some Baby Boomers are now on their second or third marriages, and these unions are considered more vulnerable. It’s believed by some industry experts that individuals who have been divorced before may be more open to the idea of divorce if the relationship isn’t working. The commitment to “till death do us part” may not carry the same weight.

Another factor is associated with us living longer lives. Thanks to medical advancements, life expectancy has increased significantly, from around 70 years for those born in 1960 to over 80 years for those born in 2020. That means people facing 20–30 more years of life may be unwilling to spend them in an unfulfilling or difficult relationship. This is especially relevant for women, who are often expected to take on caregiving roles as their partners age or develop health issues. If the relationship is already strained, the thought of becoming a full-time carer can be a major motivator for leaving.

As individuals grow older, they often continue to evolve, sometimes in ways that diverge significantly from their partners. This slow and natural process of growing apart is among the most common reasons older adults decide to divorce, not due to infidelity or major conflict, but because their paths have gradually separated over time.

The Unique Challenges of Grey Divorce

While divorce at any age is emotionally taxing, separating later in life comes with its own set of complications. After decades together, separating your life from your partner's can feel similar to grieving a death. You’ve created a shared history, and losing that can be deeply traumatic. Financial and emotional recovery also takes longer later in life. While younger people often recover within a year or two, it can take older adults much longer to regain stability. Lifestyle changes can also be more difficult to manage later in our lives.

Despite many advances, women still earn less and hold fewer assets than men on average. A study from Oxford University Press found that women own only about 36% as much in assets as men. Women are also more likely to bear the economic burden of single parenting or caretaking responsibilities, which can make divorce more financially daunting.

Though divorce may feel like an ending, it can also be the beginning of a new, fulfilling stage of life. Writing down your goals, whether it’s learning a new skill, travelling, or just focusing on your wellbeing, can help you start fresh. At times, it can feel intimidating, but it can also be incredibly liberating. Grey divorce isn’t easy, but for many, it’s a courageous decision to prioritise happiness, growth, and self-respect in life’s later chapters.

Why More Couples Over 50 Are Divorcing — And What Experts Say About It

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