Qualitative Bereavement Experiences and Support in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review

This scoping review examines qualitative studies on bereavement experiences and support mechanisms for community-dwelling older adults. This area of research is especially timely given rapid population aging and the interplay of heightened vulnerability, cumulative losses, shrinking support systems, and the critical need for bereavement support. Such support not only acts as a preventative health measure but can also serve as a catalyst for fostering meaning-making and navigating grief in later life. Through a scoping search and synthesis of relevant qualitative studies (n = 24), the findings reveal four key themes: the impact of grief on wellbeing, grief perceived as an individual issue, challenges in seeking and receiving support, and positive support experiences and transformations. Knowledge gaps, trends and issues, and areas for further investigation are also highlighted. This discussion contributes to developing targeted bereavement support strategies for community-dwelling older adults.