Klaipėdos universitetas

In this study, we examine the psychological well-being of older adults who have experienced the loss of a child. The study delves into whether psychological well-being differs between those who have and those who have not experienced the death of a child, and whether the time since the loss helps to predict well-being. Data from Waves 7 and 8 of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) (N = 37 649) were used. Psychological well-being was assessed with the Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure (CASP-12) scale. The results show that while bereaved individuals tend to have lower psychological well-being, the difference is small. It was also found that the time after bereavement is positively associated with levels of well-being, indicating the possible long-term recovery of well-being.

A changing socio-economic situation, constant stress at work and in personal life, receding retirement age and increasing tension in the world in general highly influence well-being of people. Secondary analysis of literary sources revealed that well-being of elderly women was impacted by the following factors: low social and economic status; stress caused by physical or psychological load at work, unfavourable interaction between work and family, genetic and biological factors, women’s participation in the system of health care, influence of family circumstances, lifestyle and personal self-expression. The narrative research (a narration created on the ground of the life stories of five women) does not contradict the factors found in the scientific study, but rather complements them, it is revealed in new aspects, with a different content. The interaction of the factors is emphasised.