Study Uncovers Surprising Divorce Trends Among Middle-Aged Couples

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.” These vows continue to carry deep meaning today. They represent a commitment to faithfulness, care, and mutual support through all of life’s challenges. However, recent research has found a pattern that suggests this promise may not hold as firmly as people expect, especially among couples over the age of fifty.

A 2025 study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family explored the unsettling trends surrounding “silver splits“—divorces that occur later in life. The findings raise important questions about commitment, caregiving, and how traditional gender roles continue to impact marriages during middle age.

A New Divorce Pattern Among Adults Between 50–64 Years Old

The rate of divorce among adults over the age of 50 has shifted dramatically over the past few decades. In 1989, approximately five out of every 1,000 adults over 50 divorced. By 2010, that number had doubled to about 10 per 1,000, where it has remained relatively stable. Similar trends have been observed in Europe, with countries like France and Belgium reporting even higher rates of later-life divorces.

Seeking to understand why long-term marriages are dissolving at such rates, researchers Daniele Vignoli, Giammarco Alderotti, and Cecilia Tomassini conducted an extensive study involving 25,542 European heterosexual couples between the ages of 50 and 64. Spanning from 2004 to 2022, their research examined the influence of health on marital stability.

Their findings revealed a startling pattern. When both spouses were healthy, the likelihood of divorce remained relatively unchanged. When the husband became ill, and the wife remained healthy, and divorce rates showed little variation. However, when the wife experienced serious health issues or physical limitations, the probability of divorce increased significantly.

These results suggest an uncomfortable truth: the burden of illness within a marriage appears to affect wives differently than it does husbands, exposing a deep imbalance in how health challenges influence marital commitment.

The Deeply Ingrained Nature Of Gender Roles

The study’s findings reflect broader social patterns that continue to affect marriages today. A 2023 study from the Journal of Business and Psychology reported that women still perform the majority of household labor, even in dual-income households. Beyond visible chores, women also frequently carry the invisible burden of organizing family life—a mental load that often goes unnoticed but remains essential to a functioning home.

This division of labor creates a self-reinforcing cycle. Boys raised without examples of shared domestic responsibilities often grow into men who enter marriage expecting that their wives will handle the majority of household and caregiving duties. In many cases, these expectations remain unexamined and unchanged well into older adulthood.

Therefore, when a wife’s illness interrupts her ability to perform these duties, it not only challenges day-to-day routines but also shakes the traditional framework upon which many marriages have been built. For couples where gender roles have remained rigid, this disruption can lead to dissatisfaction, emotional distance, and, ultimately, separation.

These findings are not meant to cast blame but rather to shed light on persistent patterns that affect the stability of long-term marriages. Recognizing these issues may encourage more equitable partnerships and a deeper understanding of what true commitment looks like across all stages of life.

Get Trusted Guidance From The Law Offices Of Sandra Guzman

If you are considering divorce in Maryland or have questions about later-life separation, The Law Offices of Sandra Guzman is here to provide the information and support you need. Our team understands the complexities that can arise during this stage of life and can guide you through the process with care and sensitivity. We have offices conveniently located in Rockville, Greenbelt, Bethesda, and Frederick, Maryland.

To schedule a consultation, contact our Maryland divorce lawyer at The Law Office of Sandra Guzman-Salvado by calling (301) 340-1911. We are here to assist you with understanding your options and moving forward with confidence.