Grief: Helping older adults with grief

Introduction

Key points

• Older adults often have many major losses within a short period of time. For example, older adults who lose their spouses may suffer many losses, including financial security, their best friend, and their social contacts.
• The natural aging process brings many losses, such as loss of beauty and physical strength.
• Older adults may seem to overreact to a minor loss. What is considered a minor loss may bring memories and feelings about a previous greater loss.

 What is different about older adults who are grieving?
 Why does an older adult who is grieving need help?
 How can I help an older adult who is grieving?
 Where to go from here

More information about the grieving process:

• Grief and Grieving

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Grief and Grieving

Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: November 12, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Sidney Zisook, MD - Psychiatry
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