Page 17 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2025 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

Grief and Loss for Seniors:

Understanding Types of Loss and the Role of Support Groups

by Rodney L. Meeks, Director at Christian Servants Home Care Texas, LLC

rief and loss are universal, but • Loss of Social Roles and 2023 study from the Stanford Center
for seniors, they are profound, Connections on Longevity estimated that robust
Gdue to accumulated losses social connections enhance longevity
and aging vulnerabilities. Seniors Retirement or peer deaths diminish by roughly 50%, emphasizing their
face losses like the death of loved roles as community members, role as the largest single factor in
ones, health decline, independence compounding isolation—a risk successful aging.
erosion, and social isolation, impacting for loneliness and depression.
mental and physical health. Support Maintaining ties is crucial. Social • Learning Coping Strategies
groups provide emotional validation, isolation in older adults is associated Many experts recommend learning
connections, and coping strategies. with a mortality risk comparable mechanisms like mindfulness or
This article explores loss types, grief to smoking, with a 2016 study journaling, guided by facilitators,
impacts, and support groups' roles, estimating a 2.42 odds ratio for as this enhances resilience and grief
backed by research. hypertension in socially isolated
elderly compared to 1.49 for diabetes. processing.
Types of Loss in Seniors •
• Psychological and Physical Accessibility and Formats
• Loss of Loved Ones Impacts of Grief Many support groups and counseling

Seniors commonly lose spouses, Grief manifests as sadness, anxiety, services are available in-person,
partners, siblings, or friends, anger, depression, or complicated online, or hybrid. Find support
shrinking social circles. Spousal death grief disorder. Physically, it worsens tailored to the particular type of loss
disrupts emotional, financial, and conditions, weakens immunity, most likely being experienced. Each
daily routines, increasing depression and raises cardiovascular risks type will have its own best method of
and cognitive decline risks, especially like hypertension and sleep issues. support.
with heavy reliance on the partner. Targeted interventions are essential. • Practical Recommendations
• Loss of Health and Physical The Importance of Support Groups It is important to encourage seniors to
Function
• Emotional Validation and join need-aligned groups; providers,
Aging brings chronic illnesses, Shared Experiences family, or leaders can connect via
mobility reduction, or sensory AARP or centers. Combine these
impairments, affecting identity Support groups offer safe spaces groups with counseling or an activity
and autonomy. Inability to drive or to express grief, offering validation for better well-being.
perform tasks fosters helplessness, and reducing isolation through Conclusion
linking to grief, anxiety, vulnerability, shared experiences. Participation
and dependency. lowers depression and loneliness, Grief and loss may be from death,
normalizing emotions. health loss, independence decline,
• Loss of Independence
• Building Social Connections or social disconnection. Support
Health declines often lead to groups offer help through validation,
relocating to assisted living or Groups counteract isolation by connections, and survival strategies,
the dreaded Nursing Home. Such building relationships and a sense promoting resilience and improving
transitions trigger responses akin to of community, improving well- quality of life.
bereavement, causing distress and being and belonging—vital for those
withdrawal. bereaved of spouses or friends. A

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