The tides have turned in seasoned marriages. Husbands and wives are more open than ever to signing the paperwork declaring that all their hard work and investment in each other is over. Maybe you know someone in this situation. When you see your friends and neighbors engaging in a trendy activity it is tempting to open the door for your own exit.
Since the 90’s, the rising tide of grey divorces has reached the watermark of 65 and older. Despite the challenges of facing life alone in the latter years, and despite the plethora of coaches and counselors willing to help out in relationship restoration, the willingness to separate has increased. Stigma has lessened. Facing an empty nest, couples believe they have only one chance to enjoy life as they desire it. Without children gluing husband and wife together, there seems to be little purpose in occupying the same space day after day.
Today’s Baby Boomers have survived the social changes thrust on them, have more wealth to spend, and have more singles their own age to engage with. Cultural expectations about enduring challenging relationships seem to have dissipated. Financial concerns can still create hesitation about moving out.
There is less time to reestablish resources and the high cost of living with the accompanying economic uncertainty can impact retirement freedom. Most seniors feel that their income is insufficient for what is still ahead. What sacrifices might be ahead? A change of lifestyle? Loneliness? Isolation? Financial anxiety? Housing stability? Health? Managing blended families? Distance from significant others?
While women might initiate divorce proceedings more often than men, it is the women who face darker circumstances once the relationship ends. Finding resources for two dwellings can be daunting. The physical, emotional, and mental toll may show up in unanticipated ways. Medication is often a crutch to get one through.
Before giving up on what you have, might I suggest one more round of coaching with someone who can help you see the ins and outs of the relationship clearly? 1heartcoaching.com is more than happy to come alongside your journey so you don’t become one more statistic in a tsunami around you.
