{"id":68430,"date":"2016-04-20T17:48:49","date_gmt":"2016-04-20T17:48:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/toronto\/grief-in-the-elderly-helping-seniors-cope-with-the-loss-of-a-spouse\/"},"modified":"2016-04-20T17:48:49","modified_gmt":"2016-04-20T17:48:49","slug":"grief-in-the-elderly-helping-seniors-cope-with-the-loss-of-a-spouse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/toronto\/grief-in-the-elderly-helping-seniors-cope-with-the-loss-of-a-spouse\/","title":{"rendered":"Grief In The Elderly: Helping Seniors Cope With The Loss of a Spouse"},"content":{"rendered":"

In Canada 45% of all women aged 65 and over are widows. Losing a spouse is ranked number one on the stress index scale.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The loss of a spouse happens to many of us at some time or another. The pain is almost unbearable, but especially for seniors and the elderly who have spent lifetimes together. The sudden or even expected loss of a spouse creates a new life devoid of old comforts and support systems. The key to handling this painful transition is to educate family and friends on the symptoms and coping mechanisms of grief.<\/p>\n

Elderly Grief: Common Signs And Symptoms<\/h2>\n

Bereavement can have a devastating impact on the immune systems of seniors, and may explain why many older spouses soon die after the loss of their loved ones. Studies show that one reason is that a type of white blood cell, the neutrophil, can be weakened. This white blood cell plays a critical role in fending off any invasions of bacteria or other infectious agents that could lead to serious illnesses, such as pneumonia \u2500 which often claims the lives of older bereaved people.<\/p>\n

Deep depression and an overwhelming feeling of helplessness are often a part of the grieving process, as well. It is, therefore, good to help the grieving loved one to cope during this difficult time.<\/p>\n

For years, we\u2019ve been told that grief comes in five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Some clinicians believe that we don\u2019t grieve in stages at all, but have mood swings that rapidly come and go. A widow or widower might feel anxious and depressed one day, and feel quite cheerful the next. Over time, those swings diminish in both frequency and intensity until a level of emotional adjustment is reached.<\/p>\n

Grief can cause both physical and emotional pain in seniors.<\/h3>\n

People who are grieving often cry easily, and can have:<\/strong><\/p>\n