People 50 and older who get a divorce can have a enjoyable new life afterward, but it is important for Arizona couples to understand the possible consequences of ending their marriage at this age. While divorce may be less stressful in the long run than remaining in a toxic relationship, it can cause health problems and lead to social isolation and poverty for older people in some cases.
Depression and anxiety can worsen other chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Stress may cause insomnia and substance abuse. People who are depressed may also isolate themselves, and during a divorce, they are already at risk for losing social ties. Older men tend to suffer more socially after a divorce while women suffer more financially, often because they may have made less money and therefore have saved less for retirement.
Experts recommend that older people who divorce should take care of their health and see a doctor to make sure the physical symptoms do not indicate a more serious problem. They may also want to see a counselor to deal with the emotional issues. Joining an organization can help get older divorced people out of the house and interacting with others more. Many older people do go on to pursue new interests and relationships after a divorce.
Financial security is an important element of a stable life aftera divorce for older people, and this security may be affected by asset division. Since Arizona is a community property state, all marital assets are supposed to be shared equally. This means that if one spouse has not worked outside the home, that spouse may still claim half of any investments made after the marriage including the retirement account. They should be wary of taking on assets they cannot afford such as a home.