Until Old Age Do We Part

A recent trend is showing that divorce is not restricted to young or middle-aged married couples, but is spreading up the ranks. London’s Sunday Times reports that the divorce rate among couples over 50 is rapidly rising, with an 8.7 percent increase in the past five years (Dec. 5, 2004).

This epidemic is not only spreading among older couples, it is gaining acceptance too. An abc News report gives one possible reason for this growing trend: People are generally living longer and healthier than before. Older couples who go through divorce would rather face financial insecurity and loneliness than to live another 20 or 30 years in an unhappy relationship.

Another reason for this trend, according to the report, is society’s changing view on commitment. Our society no longer fosters a culture of belonging and family living—certainly not as it once did.