Why Couples Split When They Get Older
Gray divorce: they are becoming more and more common. But why? Why would couples who’ve built a life together over a period of years—decades, even, decide to call it quits? While the details differ, there are generally just a handful of core reasons behind this decision.
The End of a Marriage
Couples of all ages might choose to split because of an affair, addiction issues, or domestic violence. But older couples have a few other issues that tend to divide couples, leading to divorce. Just a few of those issues include:
- Empty Nesting: When the kids move out, it’s the end of the axis of life for some couples. So much is wrapped up in the needs and wants of children that, when they’re gone, couples find they don’t have much to talk about.
- Boredom: Couples who settle into a routine may ultimately discover that they’re too young to act as though they’ve already died! There’s a whole world of adventure out there, and when one spouse is unwilling to dive into it, the other may take it on alone.
- Intimacy Problems: Whether there’s an emotional fissure or a physical one, when a couple loses their connection it can be difficult to stay married.
- Growth & Change: As people grow older, they obviously undergo a number of changes. They may develop new interests and passions, new hobbies and commitments. When these changes are not aligned one or both spouses may wish to find a partner who has more in common with them.
- Money Arguments: What strains a relationship more than financial disputes? With the accumulation of more wealth, older couples may find they have different ideas about how to spend their retirement money.
- Health Issues: What if one spouse is unwilling or unable to engage in physical activities, and the other wants to be outside engaging in all kinds of explorations? Although it may come with some guilt, the healthier spouse may ultimately choose to get away from the constraints that come with having a sickly partner.
- Too much Time: Some couples who’ve spent years somewhat independent of one another find that when retirement rolls around, they have too much time to kill with a spouse. Who knew they didn’t really enjoy each other that much?
- Society’s changes: These days women have so many more opportunities in the job market and elsewhere that they don’t feel as dependent on their husbands. Having the freedom to think about another life outside of marriage is all that it takes to take a step toward divorce, especially since the stigma of old is all but gone nowadays!
Your Advocate
The dedicated Springfield family attorneys at Courtney & Mills are here to help. We will work to achieve your goals, no holds barred. Have a conversation with us in Springfield today to analyze your options.
