Gaby
When a couple of advanced age separates, the man is more likely to lose touch with his children. This finding comes from researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Germany.
“Gray divorces” – a trend that has been rapidly gaining momentum in recent years – primarily affects developed countries. This term refers to the formal separation of individuals over 50 who have long since become estranged from one another. They have raised children together, but often, there is little left to bind them.
Divorce is always a hassle: it involves considerations about finances, property division, living arrangements, and, of course, the children. However, when older adults divorce, the separation takes on a somewhat different character.
What Researchers Discovered
A team of demographers led by Zafer Büyükkeçeci was particularly interested in how “gray divorce” affects the subsequent relationships between ex-spouses and their children.
The researchers analyzed data from 9,000 individuals who experienced a “gray divorce.” They focused on the frequency of contact between children and parents, emotional closeness, and the support provided to one another.
The findings revealed significant differences based on the gender of both parents and children.
First and foremost, the analysis showed that “gray divorce” led to a decrease in contact frequency between adult children and their fathers. Conversely, there was an increase in contact frequency and emotional closeness between children and their mothers.
The researchers also found that the consequences of divorce were typically more pronounced in the relationships between fathers and daughters. These relationships experienced a greater decline in both contact frequency and emotional closeness compared to those between fathers and sons.
Meanwhile, the mother-daughter relationship often demonstrated emotional strengthening, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The study also indicated that older mothers received stronger emotional and practical support from their children.
According to Zafer Büyükkeçeci, after a divorce, fathers generally experience greater strain in their relationships with their children than mothers do.
What Explains This Pattern of Relationships
Mr. Büyükkeçeci explained that as a result of “gray divorce,” fathers typically lose their role as the “family keeper,” which can exacerbate their social isolation. They no longer foster family connections, plan events for family members, or serve as the family’s backbone.
According to the scientists, the main takeaway from the study is the differing impact of “gray divorce” on mothers and fathers. It fosters solidarity among adult children with their mothers while subjecting fathers to social isolation.
The results of the study were published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B.
