led to women being trapped in abusive relationships and unhappy marriages against their will. As a response to this sad reality, in the 1970s, the government passed divorce laws that offered greater freedom and latitude for women. Divorce rates increased, and ending marriages became more common and socially acceptable in the succeeding years. This trend has continued, and those born in the ‘70s and earlier are reaping the benefits of the social normalization of divorce to get out of unsatisfactory marriages. LATER REALIZATIONS One of the key contributing factors to gray divorces is the so-called Empty Nest syndrome. When couples no longer have to care for children, they may realize they are no longer as close or compatible as they once believed. Some couples also pledge to stay with one another until their children leave home, which results in long-lasting, usually unsatisfactory relationships that come to an end when they are older. As people age, they also change. In some instances, this results in a lack of intimacy, spontaneity, and romantic connection. Gray divorces may be a response to these changes, as couples split to seek happier, better lives and more compatible connections elsewhere. Although the trend of gray divorces may seem troubling at a glance, it marks a positive development: unsatisfactory connections end as people seek better paths in life. Divorcing After 50 The Rise of the Gray Divorce
While Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s split is the latest in a long line of celebrity breakups, since they are both in their 50s, their divorce also coincides with an increase in so-called “gray divorces,” a term referring to adults aged 50 and older ending their marriages. Research published in The Journals of Gerontology shows that while divorce rates among young adults have decreased, the gray divorce rate doubled between 1990 and 2010. In fact, 36% of divorces in America are gray divorces. Here, we will explore a few factors that account for this increase and
why they may be positive. THE DIVORCE REVOLUTION
In the early 20th century, in many states across the country, it was drastically more difficult for couples to divorce, regardless of whether either or both parties had tangible reasons to justify a breakup. This
TAKE A BREAK
Baked Sausage With Apples and Fennel This comforting dish, packed with seasonal flavors, is perfect when the weather starts to get chilly.
Ingredients: • 2 apples • 1 fennel bulb • 8 raw, flavored sausages • 2 red onions cut into wedges • 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp honey • 2–3 oz dry white wine
Directions: 1.
Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. Cut apples into six wedges and slice off any core, leaving the skin on. Place in a roasting pan. 3. Slice fennel in half and remove the core. Chop and add to pan along with sausages and onion wedges. 4. Using a pestle and mortar, break up fennel seeds and sprinkle over the pan. Add oregano. 5. Next, drizzle oil, honey, and wine over the ingredients, then toss all together. 6. Roast for 40 minutes, tossing occasionally until sausages are golden and fruit and veggies are tender.
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