KTRH Local Houston and Texas News

KTRH Local Houston and Texas News

KTRH-AM covering local news from Houston and across Texas.

 

Gray Divorce - Older couples quitting their marriages at much higher rates

Hands close-up, ring and senior couple divorce. Woman takes off wedding ring to her husband. Removing engagement ring

Photo: Sheila Alonso / iStock / Getty Images

Gray Divorce (couples divorcing after age 65) is a trend that is increasing. Couples that stayed married while their children were growing up are now calling it quits later in their lives. The divorce rate for seniors has tripled over the past 30 years. Somewhat paradoxically, divorce rates for younger couples are actually declining. Couples that put their children's needs ahead of their own are forced to confront the lack of work they have done in their own lives and in their marriages.

Mary Jo Rapini, pscyhotherapist, says that COVID aggravated this trend as couples contemplated how they want to spend the time that they have left on earth - and not in relationships that have soured.

But not all couples that have difficulties are destined to divorce. In order for them to stay together, there is likely to be work that needs to be done.

According to Rapini, "before you can correct your marriage, you have to find where your own faults are". Pointing out faults with your spouse are unhelpful and will not lead to healing and reconciliation.

Mary Jo Rapini, LPC - Speaker, Psychotherapist, Author


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