[patfla06]

It came out that the divorce statistics for those over 50:

In 1990 : less then 1 out of 10
In 2009 : 1 out of 4

What's going on???

[Duvalboomer]

More lawyers?

[Schaumburger]

Just my 2 cents: With so many women in the workforce (especially since the 1960's/1970's), many women have more financial independence and don't feel the need to stay in an unhappy marriage because they have their own income.

[USSGompers]

My parents slept in separate rooms since my sister was born in 1965. I believe (I know) they hated each other.

In 1987 when they were both 62- they celebrated that they could finally divorce and get Social Security. They were so happy! Dad moved out, bought a trailer and a small boat and went to Clearwater Bch, FL.

They both worked full-time for all their lives and never made enough to live alone. They waited for the day they turned 62 and called it quits.

Sis and I NEVER saw them kiss or act like they cared. More like room-mates that couldn't stand each other.

SAD!!

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by patfla06

It came out that the divorce statistics for those over 50:

In 1990 : less then 1 out of 10
In 2009 : 1 out of 4

What's going on???

Women are finding out what jerks we men are

[graciegirl]

Not everyone was as lucky as I am to have found when I was too stupid to know a guy whose kindness and patience would last a life time..

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by patfla06

It came out that the divorce statistics for those over 50:
In 1990 : less then 1 out of 10
In 2009 : 1 out of 4
What's going on???

As we become more and more wrinkled, we become less and less tolerant.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

Women are finding out what jerks we men are

You know, I hate to agree with this post, but there are so many women I have known whose marriages have broken down due to the selfishness of the spouse; i.e. going out when there are young children to be cared for, going golfing every weekend when the children are young, going out with the guys, staying too long at the golf club and coming home in the bag - and on and on.

The marriage has survived until the children are grown and the woman goes back to work, then it is irretrievably broken and they just drift apart.

I am one of the lucky ones, have a great guy and I intend to keep him whether he likes it or not.

[Lbmb24101]

Also
Divorce has become less stigmatized
In my parents's and uncles' generation, all stayed married til death.
But but but, many of my uncles had mistresses.
One had several lovers at different times
Another had one mistress for 30 yrs!
Sad
Huge Latin macho mentality
Rare was the man without a kept woman
None of my aunts worked One of them did not know how to write a check after my uncle died.
My parents, as far as we knew, had a loving marriage
My dad was devastated when mom passed
Widowhood did not suit him.

[PammyJ]

Too easy to get divorced and socially acceptable, almost expected. Commitment and ability to persevere through the hard times are really important.

[manaboutown]

It is known as gray divorce or geriatric divorce. Recently about 66% are initiated by women. Many divorcing had been married before and with each marriage the odds of it ending in divorce rise. This is a pretty good article I remember reading so I dredged it up for review. Divorce Late in Life: The Gray Divorc�s - WSJ.com

What I find interesting is that while nationally the incidence of divorce peaked in the 1980's it has declined since. Yet the incidence of divorce is still rising among those 50 and over. It seems to me high rates of divorce have always occurred among (me-me-me) Baby Boomers and now that they are aging the incidence of geriatric divorce is rising.

[asianthree]

you are over looking illness and cost of medical bills...it is the only way, unless you want to lose everything to pay for treatment

[manaboutown]

Originally Posted by asianthree

you are over looking illness and cost of medical bills...it is the only way, unless you want to lose everything to pay for treatment

Yes, divorce is sometimes used for asset preservation.

[patfla06]

Thanks for the great responses.

No one should stay in a miserable marriage.

Just sad though.

[In awe of TV]

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

Women are finding out what jerks we men are

BINGO! Are there any standup men around? Ooops, sorry, that would be another thread.