Texas residents who get a divorce will find that the process can have many health implications regardless of how old they are. However, for individuals who are over 50 years old, getting a divorce can result in a number of physical and psychological issues, particularly for older people who have existing medical issues.
There are a number of factors contributing to gray divorce, or the sudden spike in divorce rates for older adults. Women and men have longer life spans. In addition, women who earn an income can be financially independent and do not have to depend on having a husband to have access to money. Remarriage is another reason for gray divorce; for individuals who are in their second or third marriage, the rate for divorce to 2.5 times higher.
Elevated symptoms of depression are health issues linked to gray divorce. Seniors who have recently gone through a divorce may also develop chronic anxiety or stress. They may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress, such as nightmares, particularly if they were previously victims in abusive relationships.
Having to deal with psychological issues may also make older adults more susceptible to physical issues. For example, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and Parkinson’s disease are all linked to depression. Individuals who have chronic stress that remains untreated are likely to experience insomnia, high blood pressure, weakened immunity and obesity. Individuals who are suffering from existing medical issues may begin to experience worsened symptoms.
A divorce attorney may work to protect the interests and rights of clients who have any unresolved divorce legal issues. Depending on the factors of the divorce, negotiation tactics may be used to obtain favorable settlement terms regarding spousal support and the division of valuable assets, such as retirement accounts and real estate.