Relationship Terms: Grey Divorce Explained With Its Causes, Implications, And Examples From Popular Bollywood Celebs

Grey Divorce: Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan have the reputation of a charismatic power couple known for their support, love, and respect towards each other. Of late, the pristine image of the ‘ideal’ couple has been cracking with the rumours of the two separate. The speculation further found footing with the two arriving separately at the Ambani wedding festivities, and Bachchan’s social media activities inclining towards divorce and grey divorce-related posts. It has also brought to light the lesser-known relationship term, ‘grey divorce.’

What is Grey Divorce?      

Grey divorce is a term and a demographic trend experienced around the world, where ‘greying’ couples are choosing to part ways after long years of marriage. Grey divorce refers to a married couple splitting in the very later years of their long-lasting marriage. Such couples usually in their 50s are also known as ‘Silver Splitters’ literally referring to their split in an age of silvering/greying hair.  

The causes and implications of grey divorce are numerous based on the evolution of laws, age, and even advancement in tech and medicine 

Causes of Grey Divorce 

Grey divorce has psychological, individual, and financial factors impacting the rising trend of silver splitters. 

Empty Nest Syndrome:  Most marriages survive on the invisible chord of raising the child together. But when they grow up and leave the house for work, study, or individual wishes, the couple no longer shares one or the only common aim they had. 

Legal and Financial Support:  Separation was a challenge when legal amenities and financial avenues for women were scant, which compelled them to live in unsatisfying or abusive ties. Today women have legal rights safeguarding them, providing them a right to their assets, and properties, and there are jobs that make them financially independent. It allows them to walk away from an unhealthy union. 

Acceptance:  Societies have evolved to be more accepting towards divorces without stigmatized shame and guilt around it, making it an accessible choice.  

Retirement:  A retired life means spending more time with each other followed by the realization of differences, and also their individual wants post-retirement which may not always be the same. 

Increased Life Expectancy:  Medical and tech advancement has allowed people to live a vigorous life on their terms and freedom.

Effects of Grey Divorce 

Grey divorce can lead to challenges in the division of shared medical benefits like insurance, finances, and legal benefits. It further means a toll on emotional well-being, lifestyle, and social circles/affinities.

Bollywood Celebs Who Had Grey Divorce 

Before Aish and Abhishek, there have been several instances of grey divorce in Bollywood. Some of the notable mentions are Malaika Arora-Arbaaz Khan, separating after 19 years of marriage,  Kiran Rao-Aamir Khan getting divorced after 15 years of togetherness, and Farhan Akhtar-Adhuna Akhtar split after 60 years of marriage.