When Loss Accumulate: Grief, Ageing & Later Life

About this Workshop

Growing older can bring wisdom, resilience and new opportunities, but it can also bring a series of losses that often go unrecognised. Retirement, declining health, changing independence, the death of friends and loved ones, changes in identity, and moving away from familiar homes or communities can all contribute to grief.

For many older adults, these losses do not occur in isolation. They accumulate over time, creating layers of grief that can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships and quality of life.

This workshop explores the unique grief experiences associated with ageing and later life, recognising that grief is not an inevitable part of ageing, but that loss is often a significant part of the journey.

Together, we will explore:

• Grief and ageing
• Retirement and loss of identity
• Changes in health, mobility and independence
• The death of partners, family members and lifelong friends
• Loneliness, isolation and changing social connections
• Moving into aged care or leaving the family home
• Changes in purpose, routine and belonging
• Living with cumulative and multiple losses
• Building resilience in later life
• Finding meaning, connection and hope
• Supporting older adults experiencing grief
• Creating compassionate communities for older people

Who is this workshop for?

Older adults, family members, carers, aged care workers, volunteers, health professionals, community members and anyone wanting to better understand the grief experiences that can accompany ageing and later life.