Can Getting Divorced at an Older Age Affect Your Health?

 Posted on February 24, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce can have an impact on many different parts of your life, no matter your age or the stage of life you are in. However, for older individuals, getting divorced can be equally liberating and frightening because while you might be relieved to finally be leaving an unhappy or even abusive marriage, you may also be stressed about the impact of divorce on many areas of your life, including your health.

Research suggests that these worries are not unfounded. Divorce can be very hard on a person’s health, but it does not have to be. Here are some tips for protecting your health, both physical and mental, during and after divorce.

Ways to Protect Yourself Following a Divorce Later in Life

One of the first things to understand about the negative impacts of divorce on health is that the most profound effects are felt in the short term. Keeping perspective, then, can help you remember that the initial stages of divorce are the hardest, that they will not last forever, and, if you take steps to protect your health, you can come out the other side better prepared to care for your mind and body.

The most important thing you can do to protect your physical health is to continue the kind of habits most of us already know we should be following. This includes eating well, exercising regularly, seeing your doctor, and staying away from alcohol, drugs, sugar, and any other substances that have long-term detrimental impacts on your health.

Research shows that divorce is hardest on those who already have physical or mental health challenges. Knowing your risk factors and taking care of them proactively can help you treat any problems you already have while making sure they do not get worse during and after divorce.

It may also be helpful to know that anxiety, stress, and depression can be common after divorce. Anticipating these feelings and seeking help can ensure you manage them well. There is never any shame in seeking help for negative emotional experiences, especially if they are ongoing. Part of the reason that people get divorced later in life is the need to find better life satisfaction and happiness; try not to let the short-term effects of divorce get in the way of the long-term benefits of living a more fulfilled life.

Contact a Kendall County, IL Gray Divorce Lawyer

At Divorce Over 50 - Goostree Law Group, we know that getting divorced later in life can mean complications for your health, retirement, and other areas that may cause you to worry and stress. That is why our team of Yorkville, IL gray divorce attorneys handle the complex legal aspects of divorce - so you can focus on minimizing divorce’s impacts on your health and future and move forward from a place of confidence and preparation. Call us today at 630-634-5050 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Source:

https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/2018-09-21/divorcing-after-50-how-gray-divorce-affects-your-health