Grief Rituals for Seniors: Finding Comfort After Loss
Aging offers numerous benefits, including retirement and a new lease on life during your golden years. However, there are some major drawbacks to getting older, and unfortunately, those include grieving your loved ones.
If you've experienced a recent loss, you know how debilitating it can be. Grief can be especially complicated for seniors in Cedar Rapids, IA, because these losses often involve spouses or lifelong friends.
Grief rituals can significantly ease the process of coping with loss. Read on to learn about steps you can take today for healing in aging.
Plant a Garden
Not only is gardening an enjoyable activity for all ages, but it also has therapeutic benefits. Tending a garden can help you with cognitive function and even boost endorphins.
Plant your loved one's favorite flowers in their honor. When those flowers bloom, think of them as a message of resilience and hope from your loved one.
Work With a Grief Therapist
Sometimes you may need a little extra help when coping with loss. A grief therapist is a solution that can assist you in working through your grief.
A bereavement therapist has special training in all types of loss. Unlike regular therapy, grief therapy targets your emotions surrounding the grief and how you can work through them in a healthy way.
If you don't have any close loved ones to talk to, you can discuss your loss with a grief counselor. With background knowledge of your situation, they can tailor strategies for you.
The number of sessions you need depends on what your therapist determines. The ultimate goal of grief therapy is to equip you with tools to handle your emotions whenever they arise.
Light a Daily Candle
Lighting a candle with intention each day is a simple yet powerful way to honor your loved one.
During the initial phase of grief, light the candle whenever you think of your loved one. Or, you can choose to light a candle on significant dates, such as their birthday or the anniversary of their death.
For an added benefit, try to find a candle that corresponds with a favorite scent or a smell you associate with your loved one. Your home will smell wonderful, and you can actively remember the person you lost.
Write a Letter
Have you ever felt better after writing in your diary? Writing a letter to the person you lost can provide the same type of relief.
You can share anything you'd like with your loved one. Write about how much you miss them, and the things you've done since their passing that made you think of them. Or, tell them how their passing made you feel.
Some people like to keep the letters and look back on them when they have healed emotionally. Others find comfort in burning or destroying them, as an act of catharsis.
Create Meaningful Artwork
When was the last time you did a sketch or took out your watercolors? Artwork is at its best when it has purpose and meaning behind it.
Some of the main types of art include:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpting
- Paper mache
- Collage
- Quilting
Once you've completed your masterpiece, display it proudly in your home. It will be a beautiful reminder of the person you lost.
Join a Grief Support Group
Check to see if your area has a group specializing in grief support for seniors. If not, consider starting your own. You can invite friends, family, or others in your assisted living community.
Grief groups can range from informal - talking about your loved ones and coping strategies - to a formal setting run by a therapist or mental health professional.
The biggest benefit of a grief support group is that you are surrounded by people going through the same situation as yourself. It can feel like a safe space to share vulnerable feelings and experiences.
Faith-Based Practices
If you're religious, special rituals and traditions may accompany death and grieving. Here are just a few:
Sitting Shiva: In Judaism, Shiva is the mourning period where the relatives of the deceased gather for the seven days after the burial. It allows you to reflect on the loss of your loved one.
Creating an Altar: Buddhists use a traditional altar to leave offerings for their loved ones, such as their favorite foods.
Prayer: Across many different religions, prayer is the act of pouring out your emotions to whichever god you choose.
Shradda: In Hinduism, offerings, prayers, and rituals are made to the deceased for 13 days following cremation.
Charitable Donations: In Islam, mourners are encouraged to make charitable donations in honor of the deceased, rather than bring gifts or flowers.
Try Yoga or Tai-Chi
Intentional movement is an excellent way to navigate the bereavement period while also exercising. Yoga and Tai-Chi are similar methods of exercise that focus on breath work and slow movement.
These activities provide an emotional release. As you exhale, visualize releasing all negative emotions tied to grieving your loved one.
Find Support Through Others
Family and friends are one of the key pillars in grief support for seniors. Do not be afraid to reach out if you need extra help while you grieve.
Schedule a lunch with your family or meet with them to go through pictures and memories of your loved one. Join others from your community for a walk, combining fresh air with physical exercise.
Senior Grief Rituals for Emotional Wellness
When you are remembering a loved one, there are many healthy ways to express your bereavement. These grief rituals can help you find peace and enhance your mental health in senior living.
Here at Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids, we're here to support you through your journey. Our team is compassionate, caring, and supportive. We make sure you have the resources you need to thrive in your senior years.
Are you ready to make the transition into a vibrant assisted living community? Reach out to us today to learn more about Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids. We can't wait to hear from you!