Widowhood.

Widowhood is perhaps the most stressful life event. Recognition of the factors involved in normal and abnormal grief allows the family physician to intervene, when necessary, to facilitate healing. Studying the relationship between this stressful event and subsequent illness in the bereaved has furthered our understanding of the links bridging stress, coping and illness. This paper will examine some of the critical issues in the care of the elderly bereaved person.