Divorces on the rise for the over 60s

The number of divorces in the over 60 age group in the UK has increased despite a drop in the overall divorce rate, according to new research.

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveal a two per cent increase in the number of women aged over 60 who petitioned for a divorce in 2005.

The research also shows that in 1991 a total of 5,454 husbands and 3,199 wives aged 60 filed for divorce, while in 2005 the figures shot up to 8,086 husbands and 4,671 wives aged over 60.

However, the ONS figures reveal that by 2005 the overall divorce rate had fallen by eight per cent to 13 divorcing people per 1,000 married population to reach its lowest level since 2000.

The under 40 age group had the biggest decrease in the rate of divorce, with the number of men and women petitioning for divorce falling by 13 per cent and 12 per cent respectively in 2005.

For men this is the lowest figure since 1988, with 24.9 divorcing men per 1,000 married men.