We are living in a time when people are living longer, but they are also living longer with complex health issues, care needs, and greater dependence on the health care system and families. While the increase in longevity is something that allows for elders to be a part of the lives of several generations that follow them, there are also unique losses and stressors that accompany this demographic change. Family members are often exhausted from the increased demands of caring for their elderly loved ones. Many elders experience a loss of their cognitive abilities, leading those who love them feeling bereft while they are still living. All of these issues exist within contextual frameworks that value individuals for their independence, productivity, and efficiency, leading elders to often feel that they are devalued and disenfranchised socially. This module will explore the current demographic trends associated with aging, identifying unique loss and grief experiences for elders and their families, and clinical implications for the professionals who journey alongside these individuals.
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