Grief in the Elderly

  Grief in old age can be especially distressing. Indeed, the loss of close family members can be a tremendously painful experience for the elderly. It reaches the maximum level when an individual loses their partner. In fact, losing a lifetime companion who made them smile and shared their dreams can be heartbreaking. In addition, the factors surrounding grief in old age are aggravated, since this stage of life is characterized by the loss of social contacts. “Mourning dares us to love once more.” -Terry Tempest Williams- The increase in loneliness and the emotional processes that accompany mourning in old…