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Irish Wedding News

19/11/2014

Divorce Rates Rise Among Older Generation

There has been an increase in divorce rates among older people in Britain, new research has claimed.

The report by the International Longevity Centre UK (ILCUK), entitled 'The Rise and Rise of the Silver Separator', said the growing rates could be contributing to the increasing feeling of isolation among the elderly. It also warned of the negative financial and health repercussions of the trend.

Other findings from the report revealed that between 1990 and 2012, the number of men and women, aged 60 or over and who went through a divorce, rose by more than 85% – with the rate continuing to increase. When current marriage and divorce rates by age are taken into account, it has been predicted that the number of people over 60 experiencing divorce will be more than 22,000 by 2037. This is a 41% surge from the 2012 figure of 15,700.

Also by 2037, almost one in 10 people going through a divorce are expected to be aged 60 or over.

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Among the reasons given for the increased divorce numbers include a rise in employment among women, which ILC-UK said relates to more financial independence as women do not have to rely on their partner to provide income through their work.

A change in social attitudes towards divorce, as well as the risk that those marrying later in life, they are more exposed to divorce at an older age because their union is still "relatively fresh", the report added.

The findings have been published as part of the ILC-UK Population Patterns Seminar Series, with support of Partnership, and speaking at the launch, Ben Franklin of ILC-UK commented: "A growing number of older people experiencing divorce presents significant challenges at an individual and societal level.

"Increasing divorce rates and numbers might result in greater isolation, illness and a need for more formal care. Individuals don't expect to divorce so when it happens, many find themselves in very difficult financial circumstances.

"At any age it is vital that individuals seek out relationship support. The rising number of divorces amongst the over 60s is something that policymakers, charities and services providers should factor-in when considering the potential vulnerabilities facing older people."

Richard Willets, Director of Longevity at Partnership, added: "While divorce at any age is likely to be a painful experience, the older you are the more likely it is to have a negative impact on your health, wealth and general well-being.

"As separation is generally not something that people plan for, they are likely to need the support of their family and friends as well as potentially need more state assistance. Divorce in later life is therefore something that needs to be more fully understood and factored into Government planning going forward."

(JP/IT)

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"There has been an increase in divorce rates among older people in Britain, new research has claimed."