Marriages of elderly in China suffer 'retirement itch'

An elderly couple shows their certificate of divorce at a local civil affairs bureau in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, Sept 13, 2010. [Photo/CFP]

As younger couples experience the seven-year itch in China, a "retirement itch" is emerging among the country's elderly, with studies finding that the first 10 years after retirement is the most dangerous period and often ends in divorce, the Overseas Edition of the People's Daily reported on Friday.

The report cites incomplete statistics claiming that in Beijing divorce lawsuits in the 60 to 70 age group account for nearly 45 percent of the total, while in the eastern metropolis of Shanghai most of the divorce cases involving seniors aged 60 or above are filed within ten years of retirement, with those involving elderly people under the age of 60 taking up 70 percent. In Jiangxi province, post-retirement divorce cases account for nearly 10 percent of the province's total, and the rate is rising each year.

Studies also show that the divorce rate among remarried couples after one or both retire remains high in Beijing, due to the lack of a firm emotional bond, financial disputes and children's opposition to a parent's remarriage.

In 2014, post-retirement divorce cases in which one or both parties had been married before accounted for more than 60 percent of the city's total.

Surveys by some Chinese media organizations also indicate that in many parts of the country, post-retirement divorces are usually brought to court by women, those who choose to breakup are usually financially well-off, and the "empty nest" elderly are more likely to file for divorce.

Experts suggested that elderly couples should better cherish their companionship, make adjustments to their lives after retirement and show more support, tolerance and consideration toward their other halves. Couples will be better off if they respect each other and do things together that they both love but had little time to do before retirement.

Communities are also challenged to enhance elderly care services and organize regular activities, encouraging the elderly to develop hobbies which will make their post-retirement life more interesting.