Final answer:
The increase in divorce rates among those 50 years and older can be linked to changes in divorce laws, societal shifts, financial stress, and life goals changing over time. Marrying later in life and higher education levels have been found to promote greater marital stability, and these trends have contributed to a recent decline in divorce rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
One proposed reason for the increase in divorce rates among those 50 years and older is the liberalization of divorce laws and societal changes, such as women increasingly entering the workforce. Older individuals may also experience a change in values and life goals that no longer align with those of their spouse, contributing to higher divorce rates. Additionally, couples may face financial stress, which is exacerbated without a strong asset base, leading to an increased likelihood of divorce.
Furthermore, the decline in divorce rates in recent years can be attributed to individuals marrying at an older age, obtaining higher levels of education, and the overall decline in the marriage rate itself. Understanding these factors, which include economic stability and combating the cyclical nature of divorce seen in families with divorced parents, is vital for addressing this issue.