Often initiated by women, gray divorce rates have doubled | Florida ...

Florida certainly has its share of older residents. Because of our warm climate, beaches and other amenities, Florida has earned a reputation as one of America's retirement hot spots.

It used to be that older couples would retire and live out their golden years together in the Sunshine State. However, it seems that divorce is getting in the way of these plans far more often than widowhood or other uncontrollable circumstances.

According to a recent news article, "gray divorce" is no longer a rare phenomenon. The divorce rate for Baby Boomers over 50 is now twice as high as it was two decades ago. According to an AARP survey, about 66 percent of divorces among this age group are initiated by women.

Relationship researchers give several reasons why divorce becomes an attractive option for women in their fifties. A mental health counselor in Lake Worth, Florida, says: "Previously, people divorced because of infidelity or money issues. With boomers, it's a different criteria. Now that the kids are gone, some realize their relationships are boring and full of resentment."

Others add that while men in their fifties tend to lose energy and begin to slow down, women in this age group often experience a surge of energy, especially after they are largely finished with the responsibilities of raising children.

Finally, women of the Baby Boomer generation are more likely than their predecessors to be working outside the home and earning their own paycheck. Therefore, they are more likely to view divorce as an option financially.

The Baby Boomer generation has very much defined and redefined America over the last half-century. It seems they have not only helped to reduce the stigma surrounding divorce, but they may now be doing the same for divorce later in life.

Source: Palm Beach Post, "After age 50, women are divorcing at double the rate of 20 years ago," Barbara Marshall, Feb. 7, 2012

Source: http://www.familylawyerfl.com/2012/02/often-initiated-by-women-gray-divorce-rates-have-doubled.shtml

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