Older men ditching their wives for younger women are behind the rise in mid-life divorces, according to a study.

The number of 'silver separators' - those filing for divorce in their 50s and 60s - has risen in recent years, and divorce experts have said the reason could be that men tend to push for a split as a result of reaching senior positions at work and becoming attracted to younger colleagues.

Experts added that women are less likely to ditch their husbands in later life because they worry about the financial implications of a split.

Silver separators: Experts said older men more likely to seek split than older women because of reaching their peak earning power and becoming attracted to younger women (file pic)

The think tank, the International Longevity Centre (ILC), reported that from 1990 to 2012, the number of men and women experiencing divorce aged 60 or above has risen by more than 85 per cent, and is continuing to rise.

Up to the age of 44, more women divorce than men in the UK. But from the age of 45 men overtake women in the number of divorces, a study for the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found.

For those aged 55 and over, 18,231 men divorced compared with 12,326 women

Up to the age of 44, more women divorce than men in the UK. But from the age of 45 men overtake women in the number of divorces, a study for the Office for National Statistics found

An increased number of older men are now divorcing while women's average age for choosing to end their marriage has remained the same.

The ONS said: 'In 2014, the number of divorces was highest among men aged 45 to 49 and women aged 40 to 44.

'This represents a change for men, since between 2005 and 2013, divorces were highest among men aged 40 to 44.'

The ILC said women were likely to earn less and have a smaller pension than men in later life, which explains the trend in divorces as well as warning that the growing rate of mid-life divorce could lead to an increasing number of older women facing financial difficulties.

Their report said: 'Divorce may lead to financial difficulties, especially for women who may have been stay at home mums who do not have much by way of long-term savings of their own.'

Rising numbers: For over 55s, 18,231 men divorced compared with 12,326 women (file pic)

Solicitor Ellen Walker told the Sunday Times: 'There is a stark difference from the mid-forties onwards. With children grown and parental responsibilities seemingly discharged, it is men who are far more likely to lead the divorce process.

'In our experience, this often coincides with the point at which men reach their peak earning potential and, therefore, the possibility of being able to afford to start a new life.'

The Hall Brown Family Law solicitor added: 'That increasing income and seniority at work can also increase their appeal to the opposite sex, including among younger women, perhaps placing troubled relationships even further in peril.'

The ILC also said their findings could mean an increasing number of men becoming lonely in later life.

They said: 'Divorced older men are more likely to rely on institutional care than divorced older women, who are more likely to be able to rely on their children. This has implications for isolation among older men.'