It used to be that getting a divorce late in life was uncommon. Couples who were married for 30 or more years stayed married, either due to traditional views about divorce or because they were simply committed to sticking out an unhappy marriage after already coming so far -- for the sake of their children, finances or an unwillingness to go through such a major upheaval.

But now, although the overall rate is down, the number of divorces among those ages 50 to 64 has risen. In 1990, less than one in 10 people getting divorced was over 50. Now it's one in four people, according to research out of Ohio's Bowling Green University. To find the source of the increase, look to baby boomers, who have a continued pattern of divorce and remarriage. Add to that the fact that so many boomers are retiring, which can easily strain a relationship.

Although retirement should be an opportunity to spend more time with your spouse, that extra time together can drive couples crazy, especially those who formerly had jobs to distract them from an ailing marriage. Each spouse might also suffer from an identity crisis once they give up their occupations.

Older couples who do opt for a divorce will find themselves grappling with issues unique to their generation. Financially, the cards are often stacked against women because they typically earned less over the course of the marriage, having taken time off to raise children. Those who envisioned a comfortable retirement as a married couple may find themselves struggling to afford house payments and other expenses with half the income they had before.

They might also struggle in their efforts to find a new mate -- especially women, who often find that men their age are looking for someone younger. If they choose to remain single, they may wonder who will take care of them when they become much older. It's not an insurmountable challenge, but like a lot of issues they face, one that most younger adults don't consider.

Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Aging baby boomers boost divorce rate among older adults," Jeff Kunerth, Dec. 14, 2011