Reactions of Older Women to the Death of Their Close Friends

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Abstract
In this study we examined the reactions of thirty-eight older women to the death of their close friends. The sense of loss that the women felt when their close friends died resulted in the development of new and closer relationships with other friends and relatives. The women's primary advice to others who had lost a close friend was to remember their friend, seek out new friendships, and be active. Differences in the women's responses were observed according to their age, marital status, and health. Results pointed to the need for increased recognition, research, and support of individuals who experience the death of close friends in later life.