Starting again IN YOUR 60S

After her recent break-up, Ruth Langsford has been dubbed a 'silver splitter. But what is life like for those who divorce post 60?

- CHER HEASMER

We've all heard the warnings - that nearly half of marriages end in divorce. But at what milestone anniversary do you consider your marriage to be in the 'safe zone'? Is it after 10 years together, 20 years or even longer? Just recently, showbiz couple Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes sent shock waves through the nation when they announced that after 14 years, they were in the process of divorcing. Nobody saw it coming. The couple, who have a son, Jack, 22, had always appeared happy and united, but not all was as it seemed.

Ruth reportedly found messages on a laptop between Eamonn and another woman not long before their split was announced. Ruth, 64, now faces starting over while dealing with her heartache.

According to research, divorce in the over 60s has been on the rise in the last few decades, leading the generation to be dubbed the 'silver splitters'. So what does life after a divorce in your 60s really look like and is it as daunting as it seems? Woman investigates.

'I JUST FELT SO EMBARRASSED'

Julie*, 66, lives in Kent

When I heard about Ruth and Eamonn's split, I felt nothing but sympathy, knowing full well how daunting Ruth will be finding the prospect of starting all over again in her 60s. I know, because I've been there.

We'd just finished our weekly Friday night Chinese takeaway in November last year and were clearing up the kitchen together when my husband Ray* suddenly blurted it out. 'It's not working any more, is it?' he said.