Apr

12

Over 50 and Single?

Posted by maureen

April 12, 2007 |

More women over 50 are choosing to stay single than ever before. The positive spin that male “bachelor” has had for many years is now being enjoyed by woman as they opt for the single state. Today, a whopping 16 million Boomers—more than 25 percent of men and women in this age group—are single. So why aren’t the baby boomers ladies rushing to walk down the aisle? While a number (about 7.6 million) of boomers have never married the majority has been married and raised children and don’t feel the need to rush into marriage.

Financial independence.
More than ever, women have successful careers and a salary that give them the lifestyle their want. They no longer need a man financially and are often more concerned in their career that thoughts of remarrying.

Divorce shy.
In 1975, close to three-fourths of all women in their fifties who had experienced a divorce had remarried. The reluctance of many baby boomers to remarry may be a reflection on a growing reluctance to marry after a failed marriage. (Couples who remarry are known to have a higher risk of divorce than couples entering first marriages)

Plenty of company.
It’s easier than ever for women of this age to have a full social live with company with the opposite sex. Attitudes have changed and made it easier to date; there is no stigma attached to Internet dating now and it offers an unlimited source of prospective dates.

Another phenomenon is taking place and many others are choosing to cohabit rather than marry: in fact the number of men and women 65 and older who choose to live together without getting married had nearly doubled in a decade. Among the reasons are:

Financial Loss
Getting married again may mean giving up a former spouse’s pension, Social Security and medical insurance

Family objections
Often grown children will have objections when they fear that they will be replaced in their parent’s affection, and in their will. They may also worry that a new spouse will take advantage of their parent financially or emotionally. They would rather not the “rock the boat”

Acceptability
It is far more socially acceptable to live with someone today no matter what age you are. In fact, many seniors are simply taking a leaf out of their children’s book; perhaps to their chagrin!

Baby boomers are changing conventional ideas about women over 50 and it will be interesting to see if statistics over the next ten years show the trend as continuing.


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