Bereavement

Grief is a broad collection of feelings and behavioral responses we experience after the loss of someone or something important to us. Bereavement — the loss of someone close, such as a spouse, family member, friend, or pet — especially generates feelings that last longer and go deeper than other losses. Here are some thoughts on coping with grief:

Individuals experience and express grief in diff erent ways. We often expect people experiencing grief or bereavement to express emotions through crying or being angry. However, older adults may quietly isolate themselves from social activities or experience profound loneliness. Confusion may also be a common eff ect of grief, regardless of age. However, older adults can experience more intense confusion that includes disorientation, forgetfuln