The Grief of Older Parents Over the Loss of a Child: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Aging brings physical, psychological, and social changes, often accompanied by significant life events like the death of a loved one. One of the most devastating losses is the death of a child, which profoundly impacts older parents. This scoping review examines 47 studies on the effects of such grief, highlighting increased death anxiety, elevated mortality risk, psychological distress, and the role of social isolation in intensifying grief. Cultural factors, including stigma, further complicate the mourning process. The findings reveal that prolonged grief, social withdrawal, and declining health are common among bereaved older parents. These results underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions and support networks to mitigate the psychological and social consequences of this profound loss. Addressing this critical issue can improve the well-being of older parents, making it a vital area for further research and intervention.