Abstract

VASCONCELLOS, Thiago et al. Widow and old age - psychosocial and health factors: an integrative review. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2023, vol.24, n.3, pp.1103-1117.  Epub Dec 31, 2023. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/23psd240325.

Widowhood is “the state of a person after the death of his or her spouse”. It is considered one of the most difficult non-normative life events to manage, particularly in the elderly, given the set of emotional, social and behavioral demands that it entails. This study aimed to identify health and/or psychosocial variables related to widowhood in the elderly. An integrative literature review was carried out by searching the AgeLine, BVS, PsycoInfo, Pubmed and Scielo databases. Cross-sectional or longitudinal studies published in English, Spanish and Portuguese, with elderly aged 60 years and over, including descriptions and details about the widowhood process, as a primary and/or secondary result, were selected. Depressive symptoms, social support, impact of previous experiences of the marital relationship on the state of widowhood, nutritional state and/or condition as self-perception of health, psychological well-being, satisfaction with life, religiosity and spirituality can act as aggravating or debilitating factors. widowhood protection.

Keywords : Elderly; Aging; Widowhood.

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