Geriatric Divorce
Senior citizens are pillars of our society. Aging is a natural process which is unavoidable in human life-cycle. Generally, it is understood as aging is decline in the functionality of the organs. Due to certain physiological changes and for the sake of rest they may get formal retirement, however majority of them are physically and mentally healthy and capable of contributing to the wellbeing of the society. Hence, they can add their years of experience to the socioeconomic development of the nation. Senior citizens are precious human resource and reservoir of varieties of knowledge.
In the growing population the ratio of senior citizens i.e. above 60 years old are more. By, 2025 it may increase if we analyze the current statics of birth rate and death rate.
Problems faced by the Senior Citizens:
- The problem starts from family. Rejection, disrespects and abuse from family members.
- Economic problems, such as loss of employment, income deficiency and economic insecurity.
- Physiological and physical problems, nutritional deficiency, aging health issues etc.
- Problems associated with Psychology related with social instability along with elder abuse.
Hence these are the standings of elderly people. As any other couple even elderly couples hold rights to get divorced if they wish.
Why Now?
We may think how is that possible? After decades of togetherness how can they feel the discrepancy and opt for a divorce? But even at this point of life feeling of that gap between two minds is possible.
The reason could be anything or maybe they were trying all these years to patch-up or maybe they were waiting for this time that once they are relieved from all responsibilities they would opt to get separated and live their life in own way.
While the separation has come as a surprise, divorce lawyers and psychiatrists say that a couple divorcing after decades of togetherness is not uncommon today. The major factors for these senior citizens looking for divorce are;
- Domestic violence by partners
- Financial insecurity
- An after-life
Generally, it is observed that the reasons are not sudden in geriatric divorce cases. Issues that have been simmering over the years, fight with the partners and in-laws etc. also come to the fore.
In western countries any divorce or divorce of elderly couple is taken as normal whereas in India not so. It was a headline when Russian president Vladimir Putin got separated at the age of 60 from his wife of 55. Due to societal pressures and children’s pressure elderly couple hesitate to go for separation and they suffer their sensitive time of life in prejudice.
However, they should come forward with their grievances of relationship and get it settled.
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Adv. Anupam Agarwal
Author details:
Anupam Agarwal is a practicing Lawyer with more than 18 years of Corporate and Legal
Experience. His expertise lies in Family Law, Corporate Law, Company Matter and General
Litigation.
Contact details…
+91-97406 45762 | anupam@rslegal.in
