91泡芙

de Villiers, B., Walsh, C.A., & Hoselton, J. (2025, October). Layers of loss: Exploring experiences of grief among older adults at the intersection of homelessness and elder abuse. Canadian Association on Gerontology 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, Montr茅al, QC, Canada.

Abstract

Along with the rise in aging, violence against older adults has become a global health crisis. While research on the compounded experiences of grief and loss at the intersections of aging, and homelessness is burgeoning, limited studies have examined older adult perspectives of loss and grief in the context of homelessness and interpersonal violence. Yet the grief and loss associated with deteriorating health, severed social networks, unstable housing, independence, is likely more complex for older adults fleeing elder abuse. Research that explores grief and loss at the intersections of homelessness, aging, and elder abuse, is warranted to determine the necessary supports to facilitate aging in the right place for this vulnerable population. Drawing on secondary data from a national project on aging and homelessness called Aging in the Right Place, we used in-depth semi-structured and photovoice interviews with 10 participants to glean insight into the grief and loss experiences from the perspectives of older adults living in a temporary supportive shelter for victims of violence in Calgary, Alberta. Our thematic data analysis resulted in four main themes: 1) layered grief; 2) place matters; 3) coping and resilience; and 4) relationships as pathways to healing. These findings highlight the need for a greater understanding of holistic grief and loss and trauma-informed care approaches that promote healing, stability, and positive aging for older adults residing in temporary shelter settings who have also experienced violence.