ABSTRACT
The death of a spouse or a child is considered to be the most traumatic stressor one can experience (Holmes & Rahe, 1967). The elderly are no exception in experiencing stress (Kiyak & Kahana, 1975). Loss of close family members, friends, and cohorts and their own demise affect seniors. These major stressors can effect the elderly in such a way that their reduced coping skills can result in trauma. As such, there are a number of psychological and cognitive issues associated with stress that need to be addressed if seniors are to complete their normal daily activities. The loss of a spouse or other family member was reported by Holmes and Rahe (1967) to be almost overwhelming; however, an older person who has previously experienced the loss of family or friends may be less stressed at another’s dealth (Hooyman & Kiyak, 1996). Regardless of degree of intensity, major stress is significant. Addressing this stress is critical to the elderly in terms of maintaining psychological well-being, accomplishing daily functioning activities, and completing developmentally appropriate tasks (Phifer, 1990).
