Widowhood in elderly women: the medium- and long-term effects on mental and physical health

Bereavement in late life amongst women is a high-probability life event. Although several studies have examined the relative short-term effects (e.g. up to 12 months postbereavement), research into the longer-term psychological effects of widowhood amongst this group has not been extensive. This paper aims to examine the research into the mediumand long-term effects of widowhood. It will also address, briefly, a number of methodological issues. The paper argues that the effects of bereavement on older women may be more profound than has previously been recognized. There appear to be effects on both mental health and morale which continue to have an impact several years following the loss. In contrast, the effects of widowhood appear to leave physical health and social participation unchanged. The effect of ageing itself, however, introduces change in mental and physical health, and social participation. There are also effects of living alone, in addition to the effects of widowhood per se.