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 .
Stephanie Coontz says news of the Gores ' breakup 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 ; chance for repartnering greater these days . Coontz : Older couples should focus on growing together with shared experience , play .