Helping older adults who are grieving
Why does an older adult who is grieving need help?
Older adults are more likely to become physically ill after experiencing a major loss. They may already have long-term physical illnesses or other conditions that interfere with their ability to grieve. The symptoms of these illnesses may become worse when they are grieving.
Some older adults may develop unresolved grief or complications associated with grieving. This may occur more often in older adults because they are more likely to experience:
- Many major losses within a short period of time.
- The death of their friends, including their spouses. Older adults who lose their spouses may suffer many losses, including financial security, their best friend, and their social contacts.
- Losses that occur as a part of the natural aging process, such as loss of beauty and physical strength.
- Loss of their independence or the development of illness and other conditions that are common in older adults.
- Anticipation of losing someone or something special to them.
In addition, some older adults need more time than other people to adjust to change. Adjusting to change may be hard for them and cause them added emotional stress.
Test Your Knowledge
Older adults have a lot of experience with loss, so they grieve less than other adults.
Older adults often become physically ill after a major loss.
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How can I help an older adult who is grieving?
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| Author: | Jeannette Curtis Douglas Dana | Last Updated: February 11, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Robin L. Fainsinger, MBChB, LMCC, CCFP - Palliative Care Sidney Zisook, MD - Psychiatry | |
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