Older People and Divorce

At least, that is what the demographics suggest. Over the past five years, there has been a steady rise in the proportion of divorces in the sixty plus category. It has also been noted that while 7% of all men in their late sixties are widowed, 9% are divorced. The general tendency is for the woman to survive the male partner. The Office of National Statistics stated unequivocally in its study results that there is a growing prevalence of remarriage among the elderly. This has come into vogue over the turn of the century, and over the past three years has seen a small but significant rise in the number of remarriages among the elderly. The number is more among men than women. But there has been encouraging news from the side of grandmothers too. Sixty plus women are more likely to live as part of a community, and remain physically active. So the familiar vision of granny suffering from arthritis and knitting from the confines of her rocking chair is being rapidly replaced by corporate biggies working away at their laptop, still handsome and impeccably dressed.

The Internet and the Elderly

A popular online dating site of the USA reported that the largest age group actively meeting each other onsite is the sixty plus never-say-die crowd. The trend is reflected in Britain, and has actually evolved into the elderly having their own dating and hobby communities online. For single divorced women, the internet is the best place to shop around for everything from grocery to possible partners. Single men, meanwhile, are riding high on the wave of internet romances, and have very active forums. There is another interesting trend that is beginning to get noticed. Many elderly divorced people are taking up internet businesses. Home business setups have become very hassle-free ever since the internet brought the world closer, and old men and women are taking advantage of this form of business where there is no need to physically run around.

Rebuilding Life after Divorce

A divorce is never easy. Having some experience about life probably helps, though. Cases of long term depression and emotional disorders after divorce are strikingly lower among the older divorcees. Cases of drug and substance abuse as a result of divorce are also minimal. Binge drinking is not so common among them either, which is a positive sign. Elderly women are also more prone to rebound to social interaction in general after divorce, though the majority prefer to stay single. Retirement plans are slowly but surely beginning to take a back seat.

Other Activities

So what do the elderly do after divorce apart from reading the newspaper, smoking and pottering around the garden There is plenty happening here. Those who are into politics cannot afford to retire because of personal mishaps, and the corporate honchos agree. An increasing section of the old millionaire businessmen population is refusing to leave it to the promising greenhorns and go home. Once again, the changing nature of business setups has played a major role in this transformation. Software emperors are often in this sixty-something, single, and still-going-strong category. For those who think that public life at an advanced age is confined to the super rich celebrities, there is some news to ponder on. It is a fact that elderly divorcees still face a lot of financial strain, and are there is a vast number of them who are missing out on pension benefits, but the UK has seen an increase in the wealth of the sixty plus group over the years. The situation may not be rosy, but it is not entirely bleak too.

Help and Solutions

Below is a guide for the divorced elderly to adopt to counter the problems on their path:

1. If you are missing out on pensions, you may approach the local Pensions department office, or look the matter up on the internet.
2. It is difficult at any age to live alone after a divorce, but at an advanced age it may even be dangerous. Make sure you have the local helpline numbers of police, ambulance and fire control. It would help to be in touch with a local doctor too.
3. There are a lot of things to do, if you want to. Visit hobby classes, enroll in clubs, and join health awareness groups. In all, stay active.
4. Dont lose hope. Maybe the right person is still waiting to meet you on the net better late than never!