Grief is a challenging emotion with which to cope at any age. The sense of loss and feelings of loneliness that often accompany grief can be overwhelming. While grief is often associated with death and loss of a loved one, it is an emotion that can follow any major life change. Grief in elderly adults, along with the feelings of loss and loneliness that often accompany it, can become overwhelming as so many things in an elderly person’s life can change so quickly. As caregivers and family members of elderly adults, it is important to become familiar with signs and symptoms of grief in the elderly, and know how to help before the grief transitions into depression.
Some symptoms of grief include:
- Sadness and mourning
- Fatigue and low energy
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to sleep
- Poor concentration
- Mild feelings of guilt
While you can’t take the pain away or change the circumstances that caused the grief, there are things you can do to help.
- Reach out and let your loved one know you care and are thinking of them. Don’t worry that by offering comfort you will “remind them” of their grief. They’re not going to forget, and the company and knowledge that someone cares will actually be helpful.
- Acknowledge the situation. Avoid saying things like, “I know how you feel” or “it could be worse.” Instead say things like, “I know this must be difficult.”
- Just listen. Resist the temptation to try to “solve” an unsolvable problem. Allow the grieving person to express their emotions without impatience or judgment.
We will all experience grief in our lifetimes, while both young and old. Knowing how to recognize the signs and help our friends and loved ones work through grief in a healthy manner will be beneficial to everyone.
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