Living Alone After the Loss of a Partner

Most married women -- and not a few married men -- will eventually live alone. Because many elderly couples have enjoyed lengthy marriages, the loss of a spouse can be emotionally difficult. Individuals who appear in this episode offer compelling life lessons on how they were able to get through this challenging time and regain their positive outlook on life.

It's been said that we live in a "culture of couplehood," so it's no surprise that the death of a spouse can be such a tumultuous life event. Many widows and widowers are thrust into the grieving process without any guidance or support. They face a time of intense vulnerability and infinite sadness, and they face it alone.

Seniors are encouraged to reach out to their families and their communities in this moment of sorrow. Support groups and bereavement counseling are just two of the many options for those that are just learning to cope with the loss of a loved one.

As hard as it may seem, it is so important to look at this change as another opportunity for growth. This is a chance to establish a new life as a single person, and foster an identity apart from that of the spouse. With patience and a positive outlook, these wounds will heal. Our loved ones will live on in our hearts and minds, but once they're gone, we have to remember to keep living, too.