REACTIONS OF OLDER WOMEN TO THE DEATH OF THEIR CLOSE FRIENDS

In this study we examined the reactions of thirty-eight older women to the death of their close friends. The sense of loss that the women fe lt when their close friends died resulted in the development of new an d closer relationships with other friends and relatives. The women's p rimary advice to others who had lost a close friend was to remember th eir friend, seek out new friendships, 2nd be active. Differences in th e women's responses were observed according to their age, marital stat us, and health. Results pointed to the need for increased recognition, research, and support of individuals who experience the death of clos e friends in later life.