Older adults should be encouraged to talk about their feelings of loss?

Answer 1

I have to tell you this. The older I get, the more I despise the notion of airing out feelings. Because it's part and parcel of the shallow concept of "closure" that's been foisted on us by the cottage industry of therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health quacks. As if personal grief and loss is something that should be discussed and then put behind one.

Older adults, especially, should be left alone to deal with their feelings of loss. They are mature, and know exactly what their loss means to them. So, if you respect them, then leave them the heck alone. They'll discuss their grief when they're darn well ready.

Answer 2

Everyone is different and deals with loss in their own way. If you encourage talk, I would only do so mildly at first. It isn't necessarily the right or wrong thing. Any sign of negative effects and you should probably back off.

Answer 3

Anyone, no matter what age, should be encouraged to talk about their feelings of loss. My husband died four years ago, and talking helped me along with meditation. Please know, however, that there were only a few people that I really shared my feelings with. Sharing such feelings is a really personal thing. Each person gets through grief as best they can.