The National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University reports that one in four divorces occurs among individuals over 50. Most take place after 20 to 29 years of marriage, coinciding with children reaching adulthood. This phenomenon is known as "grey divorce", a term for marriages dissolving in later life.

The American Psychological Association (APA) refers to this as "empty nest syndrome", a psychological crisis that emerges when children leave home.

Data indicates that many couples spend over 70% of their daily conversation time discussing their children. When this primary source of communication vanishes, conversation time sharply decreases, exposing underlying cracks.

Illustration: AOL.

Doctor Tara Lally, a psychologist at Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey, states that many people only begin to confront emotional distance once their children no longer live with them. "When parenting ends, many people realize the lack of connection in their marriage", Lally said.

Doctor Deborah Gilman, a psychologist in Pennsylvania, explains that empty nest syndrome does not cause divorce but merely exposes conflicts that have existed for decades. At this point, couples find time to revisit unresolved disagreements.

Doctor Francine Toder, a clinical psychologist at the University of California, notes that many people begin to feel they are living with a stranger and that youthful love does not always endure into old age.

A 2022 study revealed that the divorce rate among people over 50 in the US increased from 8,7% in 1990 to 36% in 2019.

Lally states that increased longevity leads people to re-evaluate their lifestyles. They prioritize personal satisfaction and are influenced by health issues or retirement. Meanwhile, Toder adds that age makes individuals more concerned with independence, unwilling to continue an emotionally unfulfilling marriage.

However, divorce after age 50 often entails numerous consequences. Women are more susceptible to financial losses, while men frequently face psychological difficulties. Both individuals must contend with reduced retirement savings, the risk of losing health insurance, and complex asset division.

"Age 50 is not an end point. But you need to distinguish whether you are leaving a truly broken marriage or merely escaping discomfort", an expert said.

To salvage a marriage, experts advise couples to re-evaluate their relationship, identify their desires, and openly discuss concerns. Traveling together or trying new activities can foster freshness and enhance connection.

"Do not take your partner's presence for granted. If you do not actively maintain connection, the distance between you will grow", Lally said.

Ngoc Ngan (According to Parade, AOL)