This post is the third of a three-part series on gray divorce and the grieving process for divorcing couples, their family members, and friend and support networks.
“Gray divorce” is the term for a split that occurs in couples ages 50 and older. Researchers project that as the U.S. population ages, the number of people in this age group who divorce will grow by one-third by 2030.
Divorce research indicates that even when adults have experienced myriad losses, physical and psychological disturbances, and grieving, eventually, most of them heal and cope successfully with divorce. As South African theologian and anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu said, they can see the light despite the darkness and have hope for a better future.
Grieving is foundational for healing to occur. The timeframe for grieving significant losses like divorce can vary from months to years, and the phases that many grief theorists describe are not linear.