Asian women’s surge in late‑life divorces reshapes elderly demographics

Divorces among couples aged 50 and older – often called “gray divorces” – are rising sharply across Asia. Women are driving the trend, with Japan reporting that in 2024 twice as many women as men filed for divorce after decades of marriage. Sociologists note that longer life expectancy, low birth rates and ageing populations in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China are creating a “window of opportunity” for older women to leave unsatisfying marriages.

Stories like Eiko Toyama’s illustrate the personal impact. After 32 years of marriage, she filed for divorce at age 60, saying, “I was nothing but happy (after the divorce).” Experts warn that the increase in single‑person elderly households could raise demand for welfare and social‑care services, while also signalling growing empowerment for women in traditionally conservative societies.