Old age, ageing, loss and mourning

Treća životna dob često je obilježena brojnim promjenama koje uključuju odlazak u mirovinu, više slobodnog vremena, češća obolijevanja, smrt supružnika i slično. Sve te promjene mogu pozitivno ili negativno djelovati na osobu. Način na koji će neka osobadoživjeti sebe u trećoj životnoj dobi ovisi o puno čimbenika. Prije svega, važno je da se osoba tijekom života priprema za umirovljenje te da navedeno razdoblje doživi kao još jedan životni izazov, a ne kao „čekanje smrti“. Isto tako, osobe u starijoj životnoj dobi doživjet će mnoge gubitke, razočarenja i rastanke. Najčešći gubici vezani su uz bliske osobe, supružnike. Važnu ulogu u svemu ima podrška obitelji i razvijena socijalna mreža. Isto tako, ukoliko ta neformalna podrška nije dovoljna, bitno je potražiti i stručnu pomoć. Čovjek nije sam sebi otok te bi ga na taj način trebalo doživjeti i u trećoj životnoj dobi. Ovaj pregledni rad usmjeren je na osobe treće životne dobi, njihovu prilagodbu na umirovljenički života i sve ostale promijene koje nastupaju u toj dobi, sa posebnim naglaskom na gubitke i proces tugovanja uz psihosocijalnu podršku.Golden years are often accompanied by numerous changes, which include retirement, more free time, frequent illness, death of a spouse and more. All these changes can have beneficial or adverse effects on an individual. The way that a person fulfills itself during their golden years depends on many factors. First of all, it is important for a person to prepare for a retirement during their lifetime, and to embrace the golden years as yet another life challenge, rather than to see this life period as a period of "waiting for death". Moreover, older people will experience many losses, disappointments and goodbyes. Most commonly, they will lose their loved ones, their spouses. The support of their families and a developed social network play a big role. Also, if this informal support does not suffice, it is important to seek professional help. No man is an island, especially in his golden years. This review paper focuses on people in their golden years, their adjustment to retirement years and other changes that take place during that particular age, with a special ephasis on losing their loved ones and the grieving process with psychosocial support