Life Span in the U.S. increasing
- Life expectancy
- Men 65 years
- Women 71 years
- 2010 average life expectancy
- Men 75 years
- Women 81 years
Life Expectancy Differences
- African American men 65 years
- Hispanic men, + 2 years longer than Whites
- Hispanic women + 5 years longer than White women
- Asian Americans in California + 5 years longer than Whites
Influence of Longer Life
- The longer you live the more chances of experiencing
- death of a spouse
- adult child
- coworkers
- friends
- cumulative loses through deaths of significant others
- Older adults are likely to experience multiple
- *symbolic losses**
Cultural Connections
- Older adults are connected and influenced by
- cultural values
- cultural beliefs & practices
- Helping professionals must be particularly aware of and sensitive to the diverse:
- Cultural traditions related to grief and loss
when working with older adults
- Cultural traditions related to grief and loss
Older Adults and Technology
- People 65 and older make up less than
10% of the active Internet universe - In the last 5 years, the older adult internet usage
- increased more than 55 percent
- from 11.3 million active users in November 2004
- to 17.5 million in November 2009
Influence of Technology
- Type and amount of information and support for older adults is increasing
- New relationships are established through the Internet
- Relationships from the past may be revived and become closer
- Facebook, email & other Internet connections
Symbolic and Actual Loss
- Older adults often have many major losses within a short period of time
- may lose spouses
- cumulative losses
- Financial security, best friend, & social contacts
- The aging process brings many losses (loss of “beauty” & physical strength)
- may seem to overreact to a minor loss
- May bring memories and feelings about a previous greater loss
Loss is Cumulative and Death is
Anticipated
- Older adults begin to anticipate their own deaths or the deaths of partners
- Both symbolic and actual losses are cumulative
- may contribute to loss “pileup”
Developmental Factors
- Ill health or disabling medical conditions increase as biological aging progresses
- Serenity and/or wisdom may be sought
- Changes in identity occur that are related to retirement and changes in family roles
- Adaptation to changes is required to maintain maximum functioning
• Ego-integrity is enhanced if life review results in a sense of having
- Led a successful/meaningful life
• Individuals of advanced age generally begin to anticipate their own death
- And contemplate the end of life
- Acceptance of death
External Factors
- Culture
- Multiple losses (sometimes in rapid succession)
- Age discrimination
- Poverty
- Geographic distance from relatives
- Diminished social support network
Working with Grieving Older Adults
- Research on intervention is limited
- Models that help address the cumulative and symbolic losses of older adulthood:
- Increasing social support systems
- Bereavement groups
- Skills training groups
Impact on Professionals
- Working with dying elders and their families can be challenging
- Proximity to death & loss may increase professionals’ need for training & support
- Working with older adults can provide great satisfaction and inspiration
- Reminds us that life is precious
Strategies to Help Older Adults
- Symbolic losses & losses through death
- Maintaining or augmenting social supports (including telecommunications)
- Provision of income supports or economic assistance, when needed
- Conducting informal & formal life review; emphasis on strengths and contributions
Strategies to Help Older Adults
• Identifying and participating in new activities, roles and relationships to:
- augment or replace those that have been lost, including skills training in self-care or household management
• Reminiscing through sharing of memories, with individuals and groups
• Concrete supports allow expenditure of time & energy on satisfying activities
– And relationships (helping with household maintenance or bill paying)
• Identifying & reinforcing strengths & coping capacities
• Completion of advance directives
•Providing opportunities and encouragement to openly discuss ideas,
– Values, feelings, and fears related to dying and death
