More women over 40 dump men: Study

Those who believe that middle aged men divorce their wives for younger women may have to think twice as a new study has found that it is mostly women, over 40 years of age, who initiate the split.

In divorces among couples over 40, wife is the one who walks out of the marriage about two-thirds of the time, according to the survey. And, more than a quarter of the men over 40 'never saw it coming', reports the AARP magazine, which conducted the study.

'The Divorce Experience: A Study of Divorce at Midlife and Beyond', surveyed 1,147 people aged 40 to 79 who had divorced between their 40s and 60s.

The survey which appeared in the latest issue of AARP magazine, found 66 per cent of women respondents said divorce was their idea. Twenty six per cent of the men surveyed about divorce said they 'never saw it coming', while only 14 per cent of women were caught off guard.

"The idea of an older man leaving his wife for a younger woman is ingrained in the American psyche -- and that has created a misconception about divorce," said AARP magazine editor Steve Slon.

The surge in women packing in their marriages reveals a shift in women's increased overall status.

"Thirty years ago, many of these women might not have been able to divorcee of lack of self-confidence and financial means," said Linda Fisher, director of national member research for the AARP.

"Women are more likely to have more self-confidence and the means to leave a marriage when the circumstances are untenable."

The reasons for seeking divorce also varied by sex. Men and women aged 40-79 differ in the primary reasons they cite for divorce, a new survey said.

Top causes for women to divorce include verbal, physical or emotional abuse (23 per cent, alcohol or drug
abuse (18 per cent), cheating (17 per cent).

Top causes for men to walk out of a marriage include 'simply' falling out of love (17 per cent), cheating (14 per cent), different values, lifestyles (14 per cent).

The survey also found that many people who go through mid-life divorce recover and find happiness.

Among other findings, based on responses from 1,148 men and women ages 40 to 79 who divorced in their 40s, 50s or 60s and filled out surveys in December 2003, about 49 per cent said they suffer from more than the usual amount of stress. But more women (63 per cent) than men (44 per cent) suffer from high stress.