Work

Widowhood and bereavement in late life

Year: 2023

Type: review

Abstract: Bereavement is a common and often challenging experience in late life. Evidence shows that while many older adults manage to adjust well and demonstrate resilience in response to the death of a close person, bereavement puts a substantial minority at risk of adverse mental and physical health impacts including mortality. Current research further indicates that 1) this is the case across different countries and cultures across the globe; 2) that the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for coping with late-life bereavement; 3) that loneliness and social isolation among bereaved older adults tend to be prevalent and harmful, particularly under pandemic but also in nonpandemic circumstances; and, recently, 4) that bereavement may be a risk factor for cognitive decline in this population.

Source: Current Opinion in Psychology

DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101748

Authors: Kathrin Boerner, Jeffrey Stokes, Taylor Jansen

Institutions: Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, University of Massachusetts Boston

Language: English

Topic: Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,850