Divorce among women over 50 is becoming more common, and experts are offering advice on how to cope with the challenges of what is often referred to as "gray divorce." Dr. Jocelyn Crowley, a political scientist and author of "Gray Divorce: What We Lose and Gain from Mid-Life Splits," shared insights into the benefits women can experience after such a split.
Dr. Crowley conducted interviews with 40 men and 40 women who have gone through gray divorces. She noted that while men might lose social connections post-divorce, women frequently receive substantial support from friends who rally around them.
"When I spoke to the women, they pinpointed three areas where they thought their divorces benefited them," Dr. Crowley stated. "The first was independence—freedom to make their own decisions—while the next biggest positive was their ability to get away from their ex’s toxic behaviors." Additionally, she highlighted that many women reported feeling happier with life overall after divorce.
As the rate of divorce for this demographic rises, understanding these potential benefits could help others navigate similar experiences.
