About the Workshop

Experiences of loss are a natural part of ageing, yet the grief of older adults is often misunderstood, minimised, or overlooked. Ageism — even when unintentional — can shape how society responds to older people’s emotional needs, leading to grief that is unsupported or “doubly disenfranchised.” This workshop explores the unique landscape of loss in later life and offers practical, compassionate approaches for recognising and supporting grief in older adults.

Participants will deepen their understanding of the many changes older people face, the risk factors that can complicate grief, and the subtle ways ageist assumptions can influence care. Through discussion, reflection, and applied learning, this session equips professionals, carers, and community workers to respond with greater awareness, empathy, and skill.

What You Will Learn

• The range of losses and life changes commonly experienced in later life
• How ageism contributes to the minimisation or invalidation of grief in older adults
• Why grief can be “doubly disenfranchised” for older people
• Risk factors that may complicate or prolong grief responses
• How to identify the emotional, social, and functional impacts of loss
• Supportive strategies for responding to grief in older adults

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge & Understanding

• Identify the types of losses older adults may experience and how these differ from earlier life stages
• Explain how ageist beliefs can shape responses to grief and contribute to disenfranchisement
• Recognise factors that increase vulnerability to complicated grief in later life

Skills & Application

• Assess the impacts of loss across emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and social domains
• Use supportive communication techniques that validate and normalise grief experiences
• Apply age-inclusive, person-centred approaches when supporting older adults through grief

Attitudes & Awareness

• Reflect on personal and societal assumptions about ageing and how they influence practice
• Demonstrate increased sensitivity to the unique grief experiences of older adults
• Approach grief support with empathy, respect, and an understanding of later-life contexts

About the Presenter

Mandy Cox

Dip. Miss.; CPE; Spiritual Director (WellSpring, Vic); B.Min; M.Couns; Grad Cert Supervision.

Mandy is a registered clinical Counsellor and Supervisor and has worked in the field of grief and loss for 20 years, working in a range of counselling roles, including palliative care, coronial counselling, maternal loss, victims of violent crime, and co-founded Canberra Grief Centre.  Mandy also facilitates workshops and retreats focussing on grief, loss and change.

For more information contact:

NALAG Centre for Loss & Grief
Email: info@nalag.org.au
Phone: 02 6882 9222