Divorce After Age 50 Can Be Hard On Someone’s Health

Divorcing at or over the age of 50 can be bad for a Charlotte resident’s health. This is significant because the divorce rate for people in this age group has doubled since 1990.

Researchers at Bowling Green State University have been studying what is called gray divorce for many years and found several explanations for why it is on the rise. These explanations include an increase in the overall U.S. life expectancy, increasing financial autonomy for women and changing societal expectations toward marriage. In addition, researchers have found that divorcing at an older age can lead to some serious health issues.

A divorce can be mentally and physically taxing for someone of any age, but it can be harder on older people, leading to depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Unfortunately, psychological problems are linked to physical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, obesity, a weakened immune system, Parkinson’s disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Isolation is another potential issue, as divorcing can cut people off from friends and family members. Research has shown that isolation can exacerbate both mental and physical conditions. To top it all off, a divorce can cause financial problems, which can make it more difficult to pay for health insurance, health care, and medications.

Charlotte residents who are facing a divorce might benefit from contacting a family law attorney for assistance. A legal professional could assess a client’s situation and offer critical advice both before and during divorce proceedings. Legal counsel could also help negotiate the terms of a divorce settlement, including agreements on property division, retirement accounts, spousal support and other divorce legal issues. If any post-divorce modifications are required, the attorney could file the necessary paperwork with the court.