Grief is a deeply personal experience, affecting each one of us differently. However, older adults may face unique challenges when coping with bereavement. The death of a spouse, sibling, long-time friend, or even a child can lead to bereavement. This affects wellbeing and compound existing vulnerabilities in later life such as social isolation, health concerns, and/or reduced mobility.1
Although the COVID-19 pandemic enhanced public awareness of grief at a societal level, bereavement remains a constant yet often under-supported part of later life.1,2 Health- and social-care systems need to support those grieving as an integral part of caring for older adults. Understanding what works and where current gaps exist can help us ensure that older adults do not grieve alone.
What the Research Tells Us
An evidence synthesis assessed bereavement-support responses for mass bereavement events like natural disasters and human-made crises. The evidence synthesis found that successful system-level interventions were generally those that combine coordinated support with trained professionals working at the community-level.1 The programs often included:
- Proactive outreach for identifying those who may need support, rather than waiting for individuals to seek help themselves
- Group-based support and psycho-education to help people understand their grief and build collectively build coping strategies
- Use of existing social networks like community centers or faith-based organizations to help provide support in spaces that people trust and are familiar to them
- Training for care providers in crisis-specific competencies and to recognize signs of prolonged or complicated grief
- Clear referral pathways to more specialized mental health support if needed
- Central coordination of services to ensure that local providers are linked into broader systems of care.
Although these studies are focused on mass bereavement events, the key principles and lessons learned they offer can provide guidance to strengthen bereavement support in any context, including everyday losses that many older adults experience.
Another evidence synthesis using a simplified review process to more quickly identify results found that mass bereavement events like pandemics can compound with preexisting bereavement, resulting in a “multiplicity of loss”.2 This type of loss, which refers to experiences of loss at many different levels simultaneously, can reinforce the uncertainty, social disruption, and negative outcomes associated with bereavement.
This research further highlights the importance of building strong support networks to address bereavement, so that when mass bereavement events further complicate existing bereavement in older adult populations, there are already structures in place to address their needs.
What Older Adults Can Do
If you or someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved one, remember that support is available. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, as it demonstrates a willingness to address bereavement. Here are some steps to consider for yourself or someone you know:
- Talk to your doctor or a trusted care provider about what you're experiencing. They can help you get access to bereavement counseling or mental health services.
- Look for local grief support groups, which often offer sessions specific to older adults. Many are available online for those with limited mobility or transportation options.
- Lean on existing networks like your friends, neighbors, or community organizations. Letting others in and sharing what you’re going through can help ease feelings of isolation.
- Watch for signs of prolonged grief, which might include persistent difficulty functioning months after a loss. Seek professional help if needed.
- Stay informed about available services, such as those offered through hospice, palliative care teams, or senior centers. These types of services often include bereavement support.