A program on Understanding and Coping with Age-Related Loss was presented on December 19, 2022, by Felicia Greenfield, LCSW, Executive Director, Penn Memory Center. This in-person program was presented at the First Presbyterian Church. The presentation began by defining three types of loss – Finite Loss, Living Loss, and Ambiguous Loss. (Please refer to the slide presentation for definitions, details, and examples).

The speaker focused on living losses such as those that are related to retirement, as well as sensory and memory losses, declining health and mobility, and loss of independence. Ambiguous losses can occur when someone is physically absent but psychologically present, or when someone is physically present but psychologically absent, as when someone has Alzheimer’s disease.

Strategies to cope with change and loss include finding gratitude and new opportunities, finding new meaning and joy, staying connected with others, becoming physically active, boosting one’s vitality and staying sharp and focused.