The inevitable has occurred: You've lost someone close to you, and now you are experiencing profound grief.
The good news is that you are not alone. According to the Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration, almost three-quarters of adults over the age of 65 have recently experienced loss.
Even if you have been through bereavement before, it does not get any easier as you age. If you are a senior in Woodlands, TX, read on to learn about life after loss and grief support for seniors.
Losses that occur in your later years tend to be more intense and personal. For married folks, the death of a spouse is often the most significant loss you will ever experience.
Coping with grief may be more difficult for older people because they do not have as big a support system. While children and friends can be a comfort, they may not be able to identify with the specific feeling of grief.
Major loss as a senior can also lead to depression. Additionally, conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease can make the experience distressing and confusing.
One of the first things you must do when you deal with a loss is acknowledge the grief. Although it may feel better to push it away, it will come back eventually, and you may not be equipped to handle those overwhelming emotions.
When you have feelings of sadness or anger, sit with them and let the feelings wash over you instead of suppressing them. Mindfulness exercises and meditation can be effective for healthily processing emotions.
Contrary to popular belief, accepting grief isn't the last step in the healing process. Many people go through the five stages of grief out of order and at different times.
Luckily, there is plenty of support that you can receive while coping with grief. The most important thing to remember is that you are not going through it alone.
If you do not already reside in a senior living community, you should consider it. These types of communities are great for those who want a more streamlined experience with extra support.
For instance, Conservatory at Alden Bridge offers multiple floor plans and various amenities to make your golden years comfortable.
A huge benefit of a senior living community is that you are close to others your age, who may have gone through similar circumstances. You can bond and foster close relationships with other residents.
Leaning on friends and family is essential for senior emotional wellness. As an elderly person, you have likely been taking care of people your whole life, but who takes care of you?
Your loved ones may offer to help out around the house and do chores, such as cooking and cleaning. Even if you do not feel up for visitors, the extra help could help you with your grief.
Family and friends are also more likely to know the person you lost. The close relationships will give you a shared sense of community, and you can navigate your bereavement together.
It is common to seek professional help when coping with grief, and it can be beneficial for emotional healing for older adults.
The two main types of psychological help are individual grief therapy and group therapy.
Consider going to a one-on-one session to process your feelings of grief. Some of the benefits of individual grief therapy include:
Your therapist may suggest a set number of sessions after an initial evaluation. They may also give you homework to do in between meetings.
The goals of individual therapy are to help you work through your grief in a healthy way, as well as equip you with tools to process your emotions on your own.
Although you may find benefits to individual therapy, bereavement groups are a popular alternative.
Some groups are for anyone grieving, and some are tailored to certain types of losses, such as spouses or children.
The biggest advantage of group therapy is that you can listen and relate to others in attendance. You're less likely to feel isolated when you are in a room with people going through the same complex emotions.
Modern technology also allows grief support groups to take place via phone or video call. You can tune in from anywhere in the world and meet new people in the process.
Life doesn't stop after you go through a loss. As important as it is to honor your loved one, you also need to move forward.
A new hobby can foster a renewed lease on life. In your golden years, you have more time to experiment with things you have always wanted to try.
Consider learning a new craft or reading more. Ask around to see if any of your friends would be interested in forming a book club or working on a craft project together.
Exercise boosts endorphins in the brain, elevating your mood. It also contributes positively to senior health and wellness.
Even low-impact exercise, such as walking every day, can boost cardiac health and reduce joint pain.
Remember: talk to your doctor if you are planning on starting any new physical activity.
Are you a senior navigating life after loss and looking for a way forward? Conservatory at Alden Bridge is here to help you with that transition.
Our vibrant senior living community offers a plethora of amenities, comfortable floor plans, and the opportunity to grow, even in your senior years. Our dedicated and experienced staff is trained to elevate your experience and help you feel comfortable.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for more information, or visit us to take a tour of our community in Woodlands, TX.