Reference no: EM132548092

As stated in the text, grief is a natural reaction to loss and loss is an inevitable part of being human. Many older people must deal with the cumulative effect of losses created by lifelong inequities as a result of their age, race, social class, sexual orientation, gender, or ability. In addition, ageist assumptions may mean that family members and health care providers presume that loss in old age is "not a big deal," and devalue older adults' grief. As individuals proceed with their aging journey, they are more likely to experience multiple layers of loss - some from positive life changes and others with negative impacts that the individual has no control over. Loss and grief faced by older adults can involve the death of partners, family members and friends but the inevitable loss is approaching one's own death and the dying process. Understanding resources and choices available can have a definitive impact on this process.

At the end of this module, the student will be able to:

Question 1. Differentiate the types of losses that older adults may experience

Question 1b. List common non-death related losses in old age

Question 2. Enumerate how the death of loved ones affects the well-being of older adults

Question 3. Identify different end-of-life care options

Question 3b. Discuss palliative care, hospice, and the "right to die" legislation