The death of an elderly spouse is understandably devastating. But researchers have found variations in how the surviving spouse will fare over the long term.
A study conducted at Stanford University, which involved 250 grieving widows and widowers, discovered that extensive ruminating over the loss of a spouse was a predictor of long-term depression. And the number of stressful events following the loss of a partner indicated which subjects would endure a long-term struggle with depression and which ones would regain their footing within a few weeks or months. Some seniors took years to recover from the loss, yet others bounced back to a satisfactory life six months later.
The death or long-term illness of a life-long partner often brings more than grief. The researchers found subjects within the study group encountered around four additional stressors that complicated their grief over the ensuing year.
Some lost long-term jobs, while others were already struggling to care for a sick relative. Crushing debt, physical exhaustion in caring for a spouse, and a forced move to a new home — these were all factors that correlated with a lengthier recovery.
What proved to be the one crucial element in recovering from a devastating loss? When a grieving relative takes a break from an inward focus, their mood improves along with their ability to solve life’s ordinary problems. Make sure your loved one receives opportunities to socialize with others, because that is the key to recovering from grief.