Relationship between lifestyle changes, psychological well-being, and grief impairment in elderly after death of spouse

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between lifestyle changes, psychological well-being, and grief functioning in elderly after death of spouse. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 291 elderly. Personal Information Form, Katz Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton Instrumental ADL Scale, Psychological Well-Being Scale for Older People, and Grief Impairment Scale were used. According to the results, changes in the elderly's health, relationships with their children and relatives/friends, and religious practices after the death of their spouses were associated with impairment in grief-related functioning. As the participants' level of independence increases, their level of psychological well-being increases, and their impairment decreases. As the participants' impairment increases, their level of psychological well-being decreases. It is thought that grief counseling to be offered to the elderly after a spouse loss will increase psychological well-being and positively affect functionality.