Study Reveals 'Grey Divorce' Takes Heavier Toll on Women

A comprehensive study on Finnish individuals aged 50 to 70 shows women face greater psychological and emotional challenges in late-life divorces, with a notable increase in antidepressant use.

A comprehensive study on 228,644 Finnish individuals aged 50 to 70 reveals women face a greater psychological toll from late-life divorces, with a significant increase in antidepressant use compared to men.
The study, spanning from 1996 to 2018, highlights the rising trend of 'grey divorce' in high-income countries, attributing it to factors like aging populations and changes in societal attitudes towards marriage.
Women's antidepressant use spikes in the years leading up to and following a relationship dissolution, with re-partnering offering only a temporary reprieve before usage increases again.
The research suggests that the greater emotional and social burdens borne by women, including managing blended family dynamics, contribute to their increased antidepressant use post-divorce.
Experts emphasize the need for more supportive measures for women undergoing late-life divorces, pointing to the financial and emotional challenges they face.