A recent Divorce.com study, "Divorce Rates in the World: Divorce Rates by Country," revealed the following: Countries with the highest divorce rates usually have fast and inexpensive divorce processes. Divorce is neither quick nor affordable in the United States, a more-educated population, and gender equality regarding employment opportunities for women.

The most common reasons for divorce in these countries include:

  • Lack of commitment: 75%
  • Infidelity: 59.6%
  • Irreconcilable differences: 57.7%
  • Marrying too young: 45.1%
  • Financial hardship: 36.7%
  • Substance abuse: 34.6%
  • Domestic violence: 23.5%"

With life expectancy increasing, some older people are unwilling to spend their golden years in an unhappy marriage. Accordingly, it is well known that older couples considering a gray divorce are now in good company. When considering such a divorce there are many concerns: financial, psychological and abundant interpersonal repercussions. Practical day-to-day quality of life issues such as food, housing, mental health, and financial stability in general, will all be affected.