Abstract (eng)
The social sciences view the loss of a romantic partner as a critical life transition. Due to the commonness of widowhood in late life and with the demographic change in our society, bereavement in old age increases in significance for empirical research. The present thesis therefore explores the impacts of the transition into widowhood in relation to social participation, loneliness and opportunities for action in late life. The data base exists of nine problem-centered interviews with persons aged 75 and older, originating from the GENPATH project of University of Vienna. A thematic analysis of the qualitative secondary data first illustrates the relevance of older widow’s and widower’s relationships to family, friends and neighbors, especially regarding reciprocal forms of support within the network. Next, as a consequence of the transition into widowhood, loneliness becomes evident for part of the sample. Finally, the results reveal a range of action-related wins and losses, that influence the widow’s and widower’s scope of action and opportunities in later life.