Older bereaved adults experiences navigating daily life without their loved one: A qualitative study

Death Stud. 2025 Nov 24:1-8. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2591310. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study explored older adults’ lived experiences navigating daily life after the death of their loved one and their perspectives participating in a digital health intervention (DHI) to promote emotional health. We performed semi structured, one-on-one interviews with 14 older bereaved adults. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded using content and thematic analyses. We then explored relationships between codes to identify categories and themes. Five themes emerged: 1) participants were actively involved in social/leisure activities until their partner became ill; 2) the immediate aftermath of the death is characterized by estate handling and intense grief; 3) participants struggled with loneliness; 4) the death generated new responsibilities; and 5) the DHI improved mindfulness and daily routines. Future research efforts are needed to reduce loneliness to help maintain the health and quality of life for aging widow(er)s.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: STUDY 19080030.

PMID:41277239 | DOI:10.1080/07481187.2025.2591310