Growing number of 'silver separators' as divorce rates increase among older people

Growing divorce rates in old age could contribute to increasing isolation and a greater need for formal care, argues the think tank International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK).

In its new report, the ILC-UK also warns of the potentially negative health and money repercussions of this trend. Called ‘The rise and rise of the silver separator’, the study notes that from 1990 to 2012, the number of men and women experiencing divorce aged 60 or above has risen by over 85 per cent and the rate continues to rise.

Furthermore, based on current marriage and divorce rates by age, the total number of people over the age of 60 experiencing divorce will increase from 15,700 in 2012, to more than 22,000 by 2037 – a 41 per cent rise. This means that by 2037, almost one in every 10 people experiencing divorce will be aged over 60.

Speaking at the launch of the research, Ben Franklin of ILC-UK said: “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.

Population change as well as increasing divorce rates has contributed to the rise in divorce and in the report, ILC-UK sets out the main driving factors in increasing divorce rates among older people. These include: rising employment among women that equates to more financial independence for them, marrying later in life leaves couples more exposed to the risk of divorce at older ages because their marriage is still relatively fresh and changes in social attitudes towards divorce.

Richard Willets, director of longevity at Partnership said: “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.”

‘The rise and rise of the silver separator’, was published as part of the ILC-UK Population Patterns Seminar Series, with the support of Partnership, a provider of financial solutions for people with health/ lifestyle conditions.

read full article