Cope with the Loss of a Spouse: Advice for Grieving Seniors

Losing a life partner is traumatic and heartbreaking. The death of a spouse can turn your whole world upside down, causing feelings of shock, sadness, fear, and even anger. Grieving seniors might also have problems with sleep, trouble concentrating, and little or no appetite.

It is incredibly difficult to transition from a household of two to living alone. While the road to healing may be long, it is possible. Use these tips to better cope with the loss of your loved one.

Practice Self-Care

Grieving your spouse is a Herculean task that requires great strength. However, don’t force yourself to jump back into your daily routine immediately. It’s essential to take it one day at a time. Give yourself adequate space and time to mourn and work through your countless emotions.

During this time, it’s important to take care of yourself. While you may want to hide in bed for days on end, nourishing your mind, body, and soul is crucial. Eat nutritious meals, move your body, and engage in favorite pastimes. Take a nature walk, volunteer, garden, meditate, or attend church services. These help you get out of bed each morning—even if you don’t want to.

Reach Out to Your Support Network

Your family and friends are always there for you when you need them the most. While some grieving seniors might have difficulty asking for help, support networks play a pivotal role in healthy grieving processes.

If you’re overwhelmed by feelings of isolation and loneliness, reach out to your support system. Call your best friend. Have lunch with your sibling. Visit your children. Spending time with people you love will make you feel less alone and can alleviate your grief.

Acknowledge Your Loss

Some people might choose to avoid their emotions or distract themselves. However, this does more harm than good. To heal, you must first acknowledge the loss and give yourself permission to grieve.

Grief counseling may be helpful if you have trouble working through your emotions alone. You can attend one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist or join a support group. Both options can teach you healthy coping skills to better manage your grief.

For the Moment, Avoid Major Changes

Losing your husband or wife sends shockwaves through your daily life. You’ve been through a lot, and significant life changes can further disrupt your sense of security. For the moment, avoid making any big decisions about housing or finances. Take it slow and stick to your normal routine until you start to heal.

Find the Support You Need

Visiting Angels of Lewisburg understands the immense heartache of losing your spouse. Our compassionate caregivers are here to help support you through this challenging time. We’ll provide a shoulder to lean on and help you with daily tasks and chores, including light housekeeping, transportation, and meal planning and preparation. We also provide compassionate companion care services to help reduce feelings of loneliness.

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