Just about every married couple bickers. It’s part of being in a relationship. Even couples in the healthiest marriages fight on occasion. Everyone agrees infidelity is wrong. A recent General Social Survey revealed nearly 16 percent of married people cheat on their spouse. But you may be surprised to learn who is cheating. According to University of Utah sociologist Nicholas Wolfinger, older Americans engage in adultery more often than their younger counterparts. The study, which examined marital relationships since 2000, shows a noticeable generation gap when it comes to infidelity. The results of the study were recently published in a blog for the Institute For Family Studies.
Why Baby Boomers Cheat?
During Wolfinger’s research, he noticed there was not much of an age difference among cheating couples until 2004. Around that year, higher amounts of couples in their mid-50s and 60s began reporting they had cheated on their spouse. The generation gap shows 5 to 6 percent more older Americans are having affairs than younger couples. And the gap seems to be growing. Just a year ago, nearly 20 percent of Baby Boomers and older members of Generation X admitted to cheating compared to just 14 percent of younger Americans. But why Baby Boomers? Here are a few reasons.
Younger People Are Having Less Sex
According to Wolfinger, people born between 1940 and 1959 have the highest rate of extramarital sex. One of the reasons is because they are the first generation of Americans to come of age during so-called “Sexual Revolution”. The study also concluded adultery has both and effect in the breakup of marriages. Baby boomers have more sexual partners than any generation that has preceded them. Another startling revelation is Baby Boomers had more sex during their teenage years than people currently in their 20s and 30. The Centers for Disease Control has also found today’s teenagers are having less sex than previous generations.
Another factor is the development of sexual enhancing drugs. Medications, such as Viagra and Cialis allow older men to be more sexually potent. Although sex out of wedlock is mostly frowned upon, fewer people today disapprove of such behavior.
The Phenomenon of Gray Divorce
Due to the increasing numbers of infidelity among seniors and older Americans, there has also been a sharp increase in divorce rates. Meanwhile, divorce rates among couples in their 20s and 30s have slightly decreased. One reason is because younger people are now waiting longer to get married and are having fewer children. Another important component of gray divorce is the Empty Nest Syndrome. Many couples stay together for the sake of the children. But once the children have grown and left the house, many older couples decide to call it quits.
A Salt Lake City Divorce Can Help
Divorce does not discriminate. It can happen to couples regardless of age. When a marriage comes to an end, life can suddenly get complicated. Important issues, such as child custody, alimony and the division of assets and property must be addressed. It is vital to have an experienced and knowledgeable legal professional on your side. Salt Lake City divorce attorney Christopher M. Ault understands the challenges and obstacles facing those going through divorce. He and his legal team at The Ault Firm are committed protecting the rights of each client and placing them in the best position to succeed. To learn more, contact the Ault Firm today and schedule your consultation to discuss your case.
