Elderly couple divorces for monetary reasons

A couple, both 87, from Quzhou of Zhejiang province has divorced because they feared they would become incapable of caring for each other, Today Morning Express reported.

The husband, surnamed Chen, applied for a divorce on March 3, stating that he and his wife, surnamed Yan, would not be able to take care of each other as they age and his pension cannot support the daily expenses of two people. He suggested in the application that both should live with their own children after the divorce. Yan agreed with Chen's suggestion and the divorce was approved on March 14.

The couple married in 1992 at the age of 65, and both have children from previous marriages. Chen receives a monthly pension of 4,000 yuan ($645), while Yan does not have any income.

Zhu Hongxian, chief judge ruling on the divorce, said the country should establish a mechanism to insure nursing aid for elderly couples, especially those in second or third marriages.