After many years of marriage, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are making headlines as they attended Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding separately. Earlier, there were reports of Abhishek and Aishwarya’s separation.
Amid the ongoing speculation, the actor’s activity on social media has gone viral as he has liked a post discussing the challenges of divorce and the growing trend of ‘grey divorce’. This has again started discussions on whether the couple has split. But many wonder what the term ‘grey divorce’ means and what are its possible implications. Let’s find out the answer in this article.
What is ‘grey divorce’?
Grey divorce is a term that refers to divorce that happens later in life, usually after the 50s, when couples have spent many years together. People who separate after being together for so long are called silver splitters and getting divorced later in life can lead to financial difficulties apart from many other complications.
The incidence of gray divorce is rising rapidly. According to the Pew Research Center, 40 percent of all divorce cases in the United States over the past two decades involved individuals aged 50 or older. The rate of gray divorce has doubled since 1990 and the number has tripled for those over age 65.
Why are people separating after decades of married life?
Psychologist and marriage counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhu recently shared her views with Zee News Digital about the causes and possible effects of grey divorce:
Empty Nest Syndrome: When children leave home, couples realize they no longer have shared goals or interests, causing them to reevaluate their marriage.
Retirement: After retirement, couples start spending more time with each other and as a result, differences arise over how they want to live their lives in retirement.
Increase in life expectancy: Life expectancy rates are higher and people are living longer, so couples find themselves growing apart over time and seeking personal satisfaction in new ways.
Financial Freedom: Women today are more independent as they have their own career and all the financial resources, which provide them with the means to get out of an unsatisfactory marriage.
Changing Social Attitudes: Society is now more accepting of the concept of divorce, making it easier for older adults to consider this option.
Possible consequences of gray divorce
The decision to separate from your partner in later life comes with its own challenges and considerations. Here are some of the possible outcomes of grey divorce:
financial impact: The division of assets, particularly retirement funds, can be a complicated task and can impact the financial security of both parties. Alimony and spousal support are also considered.
Health care: Seniors have greater health care needs, and divorce can complicate insurance coverage and the division of health care responsibilities.
Emotional impact: Divorce at any age is emotionally problematic, especially for older couples who have been together for decades. The impact on adult children is also significant, as they may feel that the family has lost stability.
social change: Divorce can cause a change in social circles, as friends and family may begin to take sides or feel uncomfortable with newly single individuals. As a result, the newly single person begins to feel lonely and needs to build a new social network
Lifestyle Adjustment: Changes in living arrangements, such as leaving the family home, can be stressful and take some time to adjust to. Living alone in old age is therefore complicated.
legal considerations: Divorce later in life can be quite draining, as the couple must go through many legal aspects, such as updating wills, designation of beneficiaries, and powers of attorney to properly honor their wishes and ensure assets are protected.
first published: July 23, 2024 | 11:40 am First
