Why Are More People Divorcing Later in Life?
Divorce isn’t just something that happens in your 30s or 40s anymore. More and more adults over 50 are choosing to end long-term marriages—a trend now commonly referred to as “grey divorce.”
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.?
– George Eliot
In fact, the divorce rate for people 50 and older has more than doubled since the 1990s, with around 36% of divorces today involving couples in this age group1. Whether driven by emotional distance, the freedom of an empty nest, or simply wanting a fresh start, this shift marks a new kind of midlife transition—one with both challenges and opportunities.
Grey Divorce After 50: A New Chapter, Not the End of the Book
Longer life expectancy and shifting social norms play a big role. Simply put, we’re living longer, and many people don’t want to spend their later years in unfulfilling marriages. Women especially are feeling more empowered to leave relationships that no longer serve them—especially once children are grown and financial independence is more attainable2.
A study from The Journals of Gerontology also found that Baby Boomers—many of whom grew up in an era of growing divorce acceptance—are driving this trend1.
The Emotional Landscape: Grief, Relief, and Everything in Between
Ending a long-term relationship can bring on a mix of emotions: sadness, guilt, relief, fear, even hope. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’ve built a shared history that spans decades.
Therapists suggest giving yourself time and grace to grieve what was, while also creating space for what’s next3. Support groups, professional counseling, or simply talking with trusted friends can make a big difference during this period of adjustment4.
Why Are More People Divorcing Later in Life?
Longer life expectancy and shifting social norms play a big role. Simply put, we’re living longer, and many people don’t want to spend their later years in unfulfilling marriages. Women especially are feeling more empowered to leave relationships that no longer serve them—especially once children are grown and financial independence is more attainable2.
A study from The Journals of Gerontology also found that Baby Boomers—many of whom grew up in an era of growing divorce acceptance—are driving this trend1.
The Financial Reality
Here’s where it gets tricky: divorce at any age can be expensive, but splitting assets after 25 or 30 years of marriage often means untangling retirement savings, home equity, and pensions. According to MarketWatch, women over 50 see their standard of living drop by about 45% after a divorce; for men, it’s closer to 21%5.
That makes it especially important to seek financial advice, update estate plans, and understand your long-term needs. Even if you were not the “money person” in the relationship, it’s never too late to get informed and take charge of your future.
Starting Over: It’s Possible—And Often Liberating
While the initial stages of grey divorce can feel destabilizing, many people report a renewed sense of purpose after the dust settles. In one story from Woman & Home, a woman divorced after 40 years of marriage said it was “hell” at first—but eventually, she found confidence, freedom, and even joy in her new routine6.
The key? Start small. Rediscover hobbies, explore solo travel (a rising trend among post-divorce women7), and reconnect with your own values. You don’t have to know exactly what comes next—just take the next right step.
Final Thoughts
Divorce after 50 may feel like the end of something big—and in many ways, it is. But it’s also the beginning of something else: clarity, freedom, emotional renewal, and the chance to prioritize yourself.
If you’re going through it, remember: it’s okay to feel sad. It’s okay to be unsure. But with time, support, and a bit of courage, you can find your footing again.
– Julie W.
- Brown, S. L., & Lin, I.-F. (2012). “The Graying of Divorce: A Half Century of Change,” The Journals of Gerontology: Series B.
- AARP. “The Divorce Experience: A Study of Divorce at Midlife and Beyond.”
- Verywell Mind. “Gray Divorce: Overcoming a Split in Your 50s or 60s.”
- Talkspace. “Gray Divorce: How to Handle a Split Later in Life.”
- MarketWatch / CapTrust. “The Financial Fallout from Grey Divorce.”
- Woman & Home. “The rise of grey divorce: ‘It was hell after 40 years of marriage – but now I’m loving life.’”
- The Sun / The Australian. “Grey Divorce and Post-Divorce Travel Trends.”
Real life, real experiences. Share your wisdom, your wins, or even the mess — because life after 50 is worth talking about.
