Grey divorce

Grey divorce^[1][2] is a term referring to the demographic trend of an increasing divorce rate for older ("grey-haired") couples in long-lasting marriages. Former American vice-presidential couple Tipper and Al Gore's decision to separate after over 40 years of marriage is an example of this trend.^[3]

In the United States

Grey divorce was documented in the United States as early as the 1980s,^[4] but wasn't labeled as such until around 2004.^[5] The phenomenon entered the public awareness with a 2004 AARP study^[6] and was further elucidated in Deirdre Bair's 2007 book containing interviews with grey divorcees.^[7] Older couples are responsible for the overall increase in the divorce rate in the United Kingdom.^[8] While wives seek divorces at a higher rate than husbands, some have argued that an increase in older husbands' infidelity has led to the divorce increase,^[9] though this account has also been disputed.^[10] Other researchers have pointed to the increase in human longevity, the cultural values of Baby Boomers, and women's increasing financial independence as potential causes.^[11]

In Japan

In Japan it is referred to as Retired husband syndrome (主人在宅ストレス症候群, Shujin Zaitaku Sutoresu Shoukougun^?, literally One's Husband Being at Home Stress Syndrome).^[12][13] While devoting years to his career a husband may rarely see his family.^[13] As a result a husband and wife may not interact extensively and when he retires both can feel they are living with a virtual stranger.^[14] This can cause particular stress for the woman who, as society dictated in her youth, is now expected to attend to her husband's every need.^[14] The stress this change in lifestyle brings can lead to a number of problems,^[13] including feelings of resentment towards husbands.^[14]

See also

• Baby Boom Generation
• Mid-life crisis

References