Grey divorce

Grey divorce was documented in the United States as early as the 1980s,[6] but wasn't labeled as such until around 2004.[7] The phenomenon entered the public awareness with a 2004 AARP study[8] and was further elucidated in Deirdre Bair's 2007 book Calling It Quits containing interviews with grey divorcees.[9] Older couples are responsible for the overall increase in the divorce rate in the United Kingdom. While wives seek divorces at a higher rate than husbands, some have argued that an increase in older husbands' infidelity, facilitated by the development and increased availability of nitrate-based anti-impotence drugs such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, has led to the divorce increase,[10] though this account has also been disputed.[11] Other researchers have pointed to the increase in human longevity, the cultural values of Baby Boomers, and women's increasing financial independence as potential causes.[12]

In Japan it is referred to as retired husband syndrome (主人在宅ストレス症候群, Shujin Zaitaku Sutoresu Shoukougun, literally One's Husband Being at Home Stress Syndrome).[14][15] While devoting years to his career, a husband may rarely see his family.[15] As a result, a husband and wife may not interact extensively. When the husband retires, both can feel they are living with a virtual stranger.[16] This can cause particular stress for the woman who, as society dictated in her youth, is now expected to attend to her husband's every need.[16] The stress of change in lifestyle brings a number of problems,[15] including feelings of resentment towards husbands.[16]

• Baby Boom Generation
• Mid-life crisis