Impact of the Death of an Adult Child on Elderly Parents: Some Observations

1 November 1987

journal article
research article
Published by SAGE Publications in OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying

Vol. 17 (3) , 209-218
https://doi.org/10.2190/2qcm-uxyv-8nr2-1cyf

Abstract

The impact of the death of an adult child on elderly parents has received little attention. Yet, findings indicate that 10 percent of all elderly parents had a child die after the parent was age sixty. Five generic themes evoked by the death of a child are explored: untimeliness, uniqueness of the parent-child bond, impact on intergenerational relations, loss of social supports, and hope for the future. Implications for research, clinical intervention, and planning are outlined.

Keywords

DEATH

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