Fifty years ago only 2.8 percent of Americans over fifty were divorced. This statistics has risen drastically over the years. In 2011, according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 15.4 percent divorced and 2.1 percent were separated. While divorce rates have gone down, the divorce rates for people over 50 has doubled since 1990. That is significant because half of the married population is older than 50.

So what happened to “till death do us part”? People live longer and want more out of life. They don’t want to stay in an unhappy marriage like people did in the past. They grow apart.  The extension of an active, healthy life span is enticing. It is likely that more grey marriages will end in divorce than because of death.

Years ago if people were unhappy in their marriage they just stuck it out because it wasn’t the norm to get a divorce. Today women have become less tolerant of a mediocre relationship and would rather not be married. Men, because of Viagra can satisfy a younger woman—and being with a younger woman makes them feel younger. Many quickly forget about the woman they have been married to, the woman who may have been the “woman behind the successful man.” They don’t feel they should make sure that she will be financially secure for the rest of her life.

Unfortunately, for women, like widowhood, divorce can contribute to an economic strain and poor health. This can place a burden on children and/or can necessitate institutional  support from the government.