For the first time in the history of the United States, more American citizens, aged 50 and older, report being divorced than being widowed. Furthermore, as baby boomers continue to live longer, it appears that the numbers are growing. Sociologists are referring to these late-in-life divorce cases as ‘gray divorces’ and in a state such as Florida, they are exceedingly common.
One woman, for example, was married to her husband for 34 years before they decided to go through a divorce in 2009. After their daughter was married, they were both 58 years of age and had failed year after year to resolve their own marital challenges. The woman said that the divorce came as a shock to her and she sought counseling to cope with the problem.
Fifty years ago 2.8 percent of American citizens aged 50 and up were divorced. In 2011, the figure had risen to 15.4 percent according to the census. Meanwhile, 13.5 were single because their spouse had passed away. Another interesting figure shows that in 1990 only one out of every ten divorced individuals was over the age of 50. However, as of 2011 one out of every four people who claim to have undergone a divorce within the last year was over 50.
While sociologists still claim that the longer one is married, the less the chances are of getting a divorce, the length of one’s marriage is by no means a guarantee that it will continue forever. In the state of Florida, where many retirees come to live out their golden years, these figures are particularly enlightening. It is important for Florida residents to know that divorce is not a sign of failure, but can be seen as a new beginning. Through professional legal assistance, senior citizens can ensure that their divorce process goes as quickly and efficiently as possible so they can begin to live the new chapter of their lives without unnecessary legal difficulties.
