Published March 04, 2022

Women shouldn’t be surprised to learn they may outlive their husbands. Women tend to live longer than men and often marry older partners. Among married Americans, 58% of women aged 75 and older experience widowhood, compared to 28% of men. An astonishing one-third of women become widows before the age of 60, and half before they reach 65.

Great Advice: Organize your financial records now. It's crucial to avoid probate. Create a file containing important documents and contact information, and make sure someone knows where to find it. When the time comes, you may not be able to think clearly.

What is Typical in Widowhood:

• Widows may lose a large part of their community.
• Financial stress often arises due to the loss of a major income source.
• Relatives may abandon widows, and some may face eviction from their homes.
• Widows may require assistance in caring for children.
• Since 1940, the percentage of widowed women has decreased for most racial and ethnic groups.
• Difficulties in decision-making, memory, and attention span are common.
• A strong support network of family and friends can help widows navigate their grief.
• Understanding what to expect and how to handle each phase of the grieving process can also be beneficial.

Are you interested in creating a space for widows to gather once a month for social time, easing loneliness and isolation?

If so, one of my free services is to provide ideas and host this event for you using a tried-and-true event template. You supply the refreshments, activity materials, and location, and I’ll take care of the rest with your help.

Source: By Suzanne Ball, Published March 04, 2022 - AARP