An Integrative and Socio-Cultural Perspective of Health, Wealth, and Adjustment in Widowhood

Abstract

Women comprise a larger proportion of the ageing population than men, often outlive their spouses, and face a variety of challenges upon widowhood. Discrete aspects of the health impact of widowhood have been described in the literature; however, the expanse of sociocontextual issues that impact on older women's adjustment is less prominent. We undertook a literature review to synthesize recent research and interventions and identify current trends and gaps in knowledge and services. Although many health, social, cultural, and economic factors impact on recently widowed older women throughout the world, we found that few interventions targeting this population incorporate these factors.