Susan Coontz : news of the Gores ' divorce makes older couples fret : Could that be us ? Contrary to assumptions , late - life divorces usually instigated by women , she says . These divorces rare , but climbing , she says ; opportunities for reconciliation greater these years . Although we do n't have -- and should n't seek -- the inside details , the couple says the decision was mutual and the process will be mutually supportive . Coontz : Older couples should focus on growing together with shared experience , understanding .
Susan Coontz : news of the Gores ' divorce makes older couples fret : Could that be us ? Contrary to assumptions , late - life divorces usually instigated by women , she says . These divorces rare , but climbing , she says ; opportunities for reconciliation greater these years . Coontz : Older couples should focus on growing together with shared experience , understanding .