Even Long-Term Marriages Fall Apart Sometimes

Think all long-term marriages are perfect? Think again...

The recent break-up of Al & Tipper Gore's forty-year marriage has raised many questions when it comes to long-term marriage, especially concerning how many long-term marriages will ultimately dissolve in divorce.

According to the Pew Research Center, statistics reveal:

• Among men who wed between the years 1970 (the year the Gores wed) and 1974, 89% were still married to the same wife on their fifth anniversary; 74% on their 10th anniversary; 65% on their 15th anniversary; 58% by their 20th anniversary; and 54% by their 25th.

• 45% of 50-year-old men were projected to divorce eventually, with 46% of 50-year-old women projected to eventually divorce (the Gores were 48 years old at the time of their break-up).

• College-educated adults are less likely to divorce than adults with a high school diploma or less.

• As opposed to marriages made in the 1980s, marriages made in the 1970s were slightly less likely to reach their 15th anniversary.

• People who marry at older ages are more likely to sustain marriage versus those who marry at younger ages.

• Men divorce at a median age of 31.8, while women split at a median age of 29.4

The bad news? The Pew Research Center reports that the national divorce rate is higher now than it was a century ago.

The good news? There is hope; Divorce rates have been declining for the past two decades. And always remember, there is life after divorce...

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