THE GENDERED EXPERIENCE OF SOCIAL RESOURCES ACROSS THE TRANSITION TO LATE-LIFE WIDOWHOOD

Widowhood in later life is a transitional event necessitating considerable change and presents differing challenges for men and women. Social resources - close relationships, social support exchange and opportunities for social participation - can assist in successful adjustment to spousal loss. Using the perspective of life course theory, this study sought to understand the gendered experience of social resources during the transition to widowhood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 men and women (aged between 85 and 96 years) who had been widowed in later life. Participants were asked about the continuity and changes which had occurred in their social resources both pre- and post-widowhood. The role that these resources played in adjustment to spousal bereavement was also explored. The interview data were analysed thematically using framework analysis. Four different phases in the transition to widowhood were identified each with differential experiences of contact with the social network, support and social participation. Older men and women experienced different opportunities in the accessibility and mobilisation of their social resources in widowhood. Male participants reported smaller social networks and received less support then female participants during all phases in the transition to widowhood. They also experienced fewer opportunities for social participation and were consequently more likely to be socially isolated. The stronger social resources possessed by older widowed women may assist them in better meeting the challenges associated with spousal bereavement. Potential gender differences should be taken into account in the assessment and planning of supports and services for older widowed adults.