Elderly adults in Jackson and other cities more likely to be divorced and alone
Jackson, MS – CNN News reported on a trend where more elderly adults from the baby boom generation are living alone due to divorce [1].
Gray divorce trend contributes to elderly adults living alone
The United States is witnessing a significant increase in the number of adults living alone, with nearly 38 million individuals residing in single-person households, according to Census data. This trend, experts predict, will continue to rise in the coming years, particularly among older Americans. Currently, approximately 16 million people aged 65 and above live solo, a three-fold increase from the 1960s. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, this number is expected to grow even further, prompting serious questions about the nation’s future.
Various factors contribute to this societal shift. The economic gains made by women when they entered the workforce and changing attitudes towards marriage are among them. However, one surprising factor that has caught experts off-guard is the rise in divorce rates among adults over 50. Once considered a rarity, so-called “gray divorce” has become increasingly common. Research conducted by Susan L. Brown, co-director of the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, revealed that well over a third of divorces now involve individuals over the age of 50. The divorce rate for this demographic in the US doubled from 1990 to 2010, leading to what Brown and her colleague termed the “gray divorce revolution.”
Even though divorce rates for the general population are declining, older adults are bucking this trend. The divorce rate among adults over 65 is still on the rise, leading to a growing number of older individuals aging alone and outside of marriage.
Divorce attorney Susan Myres, based in Houston, has witnessed this phenomenon firsthand. Despite the notion that ending marriages later in life might seem illogical when death is a possibility, many older clients have cited various reasons for seeking divorce. Factors such as differing perspectives on vaccines, masks, and politics during the pandemic have played a role in some cases. Others feel that they have drifted too far apart from their spouses, while some have experienced abuse or uncovered shocking transgressions. Regardless of the reasons, these individuals feel that any remaining years of life are too precious to be spent with the wrong partner.
Myres prefers to call them “silver splitters” rather than “gray divorcees,” highlighting the silver lining of starting afresh, no matter how old one is. The term emphasizes the idea of embracing new opportunities and experiences in the later stages of life.
Edith Heyck, an artist and part-time park manager from Massachusetts, is one of those who experienced a late-life divorce. At 72 years old, she hadn’t expected to be living alone, having been raised with the expectation of being married. However, after her son turned 18, she decided to end her marriage in her 50s, believing that the remaining years of her life were too valuable to be spent in an unsatisfying relationship.
As the “gray divorce revolution” continues and more older adults choose to live independently, society will face challenges in providing support and care for this aging population. Understanding the reasons behind this trend can help develop appropriate strategies to address the needs of those navigating life on their own in their later years.
What are specific concerns related to getting divorced as a retired or elderly adult?
Getting divorced in Mississippi as a retired or elderly adult comes with a unique set of concerns and challenges that differ from those faced by younger couples. The decision to end a long-term marriage later in life can have significant emotional, financial, and social implications. Here are some specific concerns related to getting divorced as a retired or elderly adult:
- Financial Security: One of the most pressing concerns for older adults going through a divorce is financial security. After a lifetime of building assets and retirement savings together, dividing these resources can be complex and may lead to a reduced standard of living for both parties. For retired individuals, there might not be enough time to recover financially, making it essential to carefully plan the division of assets and consider how the divorce will impact their retirement income.
- Retirement Plans: Divorce can disrupt retirement plans, especially when both spouses were counting on shared retirement benefits and pension plans. Depending on the length of the marriage and the laws in their state, a spouse may be entitled to a portion of the other’s retirement benefits. This division can impact the overall retirement income and necessitate adjustments to post-retirement plans.
- Social Support and Loneliness: For many elderly individuals, their spouse and family has been their primary source of companionship and emotional support for several decades. After a divorce, they may experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially if their social circle was centered around their marriage. Finding new social support systems becomes crucial for their mental well-being.
- Health and Healthcare: Divorce can have implications for health insurance coverage, particularly if one spouse was covered under the other’s plan. Additionally, elderly individuals often have more health concerns, and the stress of divorce can exacerbate these issues. Access to healthcare and its costs may also become a significant concern after divorce.
- Estate Planning and Inheritance: Older adults going through a divorce may need to update their estate plans to reflect their new circumstances. This includes revising wills, trusts, and beneficiaries to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes. In some cases, adult children may become involved, adding complexity to the process.
- Impact on Adult Children: Divorce at an older age can also affect adult children, who may not expect their parents to split after many years of marriage. Adult children might be caught in the middle, and conflicts over inheritance or assets can strain family relationships.
- Emotional Stress: The emotional toll of divorce can be significant at any age, but for elderly individuals, it may be particularly challenging. They may feel a sense of loss, regret, or uncertainty about the future. Coping with these emotions can be difficult, especially when facing the prospect of spending their later years alone.
Considering these specific concerns, it’s crucial for older adults contemplating divorce to seek support from legal and financial professionals who specialize in dealing with divorce in later life. Proper planning and open communication can help navigate these challenges and find ways to achieve a more secure and emotionally healthy future.
Advice from divorce lawyers
Ballard Law is a divorce firm that works with local clients in Jackson, Mississippi.
USAttorneys.com can provide more info to anyone who needs a referral to a lawyer in their area. They can be reached at 800-672-3103
Firm contact info:
108 S President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
https://www.ballardlaw.ms/
Sources:
- https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/05/health/boomers-divorce-living-alone-wellness-cec/index.html
