Grief and Loss Publications
AARP offers a variety of publications that were developed especially for bereaved adults, their families, friends and others to help you cope with the death of a loved one.
To order an AARP publication (listed above the book section below), complete and submit AARP's online Publications Order Form.
On Being Alone: A Guide for the Newly Widowed
— Provides a comprehensive guide for recently widowed men
and women, including the experiences of other widows and
widowers. (Stock # English D150, Spanish D13949)
Download a Mandarin
Chinese version (PDF format - requires free Adobe
Acrobat Reader).
Final Details: A Helpful Guide for Survivors When Death Occurs — Contains information on making decisions and taking action in the first few months after a death. (Stock # English D14168, Spanish D17004)
Understanding the Grief Process — Gives basic information about grief and the many ways we grieve the loss of a loved one. While directed towards the person who has experienced a major loss, it contains information helpful to family members and friends wanting to be of assistance. (Stock # English D16832, Spanish D17533)
Men and Grief — Focuses on the special challenges faced by men grieving the loss of a loved one. (Stock # English D17008, Spanish D17568)
Special Issues for Younger Widowed Persons — Offers guidance and support to the younger widow or widower. Discusses practical issues and gives community aftercare resources. (Stock # English D17009, Spanish D17572)
Coping With Celebration Days — Acknowledges that family celebrations can be difficult after the death of a loved one and suggest coping strategies. (Stock # English 16830, Spanish D17570)
When a Parent Loses a Spouse — Provides useful information to adult children whose parent has lost a spouse. Items covered include the impact of a spouse's death, ways an adult child can assist their parent, and where to get other help. (Stock # English D16831, Spanish D17569)
Coping With the Death of a Parent — Discusses emotional responses an adult child may feel or experience after the death of a parent. Also included are ways to remember your parent and where to obtain grief support if needed. (Stock # English D17181, Spanish D17571)
You may also find some of the following publications valuable to you in your grief journey, though they are not available through AARP.
Books
-
Being A Widow by Lynn Caine.
Arbor House, William Morrow, NY,1988 -
Caring for the Dead: Your Final Act of Love by
Lisa Carlson.
A comprehensive, state-by-state guide to funeral and burial practices, with guidance on how to go about planning your own funeral or making arrangements for a deceased loved one. -
Living with Life-Threatening Illness: A Guide for
Patients, Their Families, & Caregivers by Kenneth
J. Doka.
Lexington Books, An Imprint of McMillan, Inc., NY, 1993 -
Loss & Anticipatory Grief by Therese A.
Rando.
D.C. Heath & Company, 1986. -
Necessary Losses: The Loves, Illusions, Dependencies and
Impossible Expectations That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order
to Grow by Judith Viorst.
Simon & Schuster, NY, 1986. - Seven Choices by Elizabeth Harper Neeld
Professional Journals
- Death Studies, 800-821-8312
- Journal of Personal & Interpersonal Loss, 800-821-8312
