What's happening to Canadians as they turn 50? Divorce rates rise

Canadians over 50 are choosing uncertainty over complacency. Statistics Canada, in its recent report, indicated that there is a rise in the number of Canadians getting divorced after turning 50, despite the country’s overall divorce rate reaching its all-time low in the last 5 decades.

This phenomenon is called “grey divorce," which reflects a shift in societal norms and personal priorities among older adults.

This shift indicates that individuals are marrying later and ultimately divorcing later in life. In 1986, the average age of marriage was 25, with marriages lasting nearly 13 years on average. By 2020, the average age of marriage had increased to around 31, and the average duration of marriages extended to almost 15 years.


Several factors, like longer life expectancies, financial independence, especially among women, and reduction of stigma around divorce contribute to this trend. Individuals have more years to reflect on their fulfillment and may choose to pursue new paths if their current relationships no longer meet their needs, empowering more people to make such life-altering decisions without fear of societal judgment.

Marnie Wraith's experience of eight years with her partner made her feel a desire for personal growth and new experiences.

"I was coasting and I felt that I wasn't growing," Wraith shared. "Being almost 60, there were still more meaningful connections and adventures in life that I wasn't going to get in my situation."

But like every coin has two sides, this comes with its challenges, like financial implications, especially when dividing assets built over decades, and individuals may face the prospect of supporting themselves on a single income. Emotional hurdles, such as loneliness and the restructuring of social networks, are also common and may add to the whole situation, triggering stress and anxiety.

But many find that the pursuit of personal happiness and fulfillment outweighs the difficulties.

As Wraith advises, "Try to take that warning tape off and proceed with your dreams. This is the time of life when you can."