Loss and grief in elderly people: Results from the LIFE-Adult-Study

Death Stud. 2022;46(7):1621-1630. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1824203. Epub 2020 Sep 25.

Abstract

We evaluated 2,865 elderly people to investigate the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD), examine predictors and mental health correlates. The conditional prevalence of PGD varied between 0.8% and 5.2% (diagnostic algorithm vs. cut-off). PG-13 scores were related to depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, reduced life satisfaction, and quality of life. Predictors were female gender, less time since death, more losses, having lost a child, partner, or sibling, and less social support. PGD is associated with adverse mental health consequences. Practitioners should pay special attention to elderly women who lost a close loved one and lack social support.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bereavement*
  • Child
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Grief
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life