Wednesday, August 4, 2010

New Study: Is Divorce Contagious?

By Clare Westwood

Many discussions have been held recently discussing the theory that getting divorced is actually contagious. Divorces happening later in life seem to be echoing the trend the most.

Figures show that people who are aged 55 and over are now getting divorced more than ever- despite national figures beginning to fall slightly. Around one fifth of divorces occur in couples who have been married for over twenty years in total.

According to the latest figures the main reason why women file for divorce is simply due to no longer feeling satisfied within the relationship whereas men tend to be filing for divorce mainly due to better prospects being made open to them. Around two thirds of all divorces in later life are filed for by women.

Around three quarters of people who initiate late life divorce were pleased they had done so afterwards. As people are generally living longer the idea of settling for second best is becoming less acceptable. People want more out of their marriage now and they expect more from their partners too.

Many people have thought that at some time or another it has felt like everyone around them is divorcing although not until now has there been any scientific explanation to back up the theory. Scientists have recently concluded that when a divorce occurs in a family it often opens the doors to more within the family.

Friends are the most common group to fall into the contagious divorce trap. When a close friend divorces she or he may well talk of the benefits of doing so prompting so called 'grass is greener' ideas. Co-workers have been named as the second most common group.

The best relationship advice available to older couples seems to be- keeping communication levels good as well as making plenty of time for one another. Trying new hobbies and visiting new places is said to help keep relationships fresh and happy.

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