As we age, grief often becomes a more prominent companion in our lives. While society tends to associate grief primarily with the death of a loved one, older adults frequently experience a more nuanced and complex form of grief: the loss of a former version of themselves. Whether it's the result of retirement, physical decline, cognitive changes, or the passing of peers, older adults must often face multiple layers of grief, each impacting their identity and sense of purpose.

Aging often brings a natural invitation to redefine identity. For many older adults, retirement, the empty nest phase, or the physical slowing of the body can mark a significant departure from long-held roles such as worker, caregiver, provider, or even athlete. These roles are not just tasks we perform—they are deeply woven into how we see ourselves and how others recognize us. When those roles shift or fade, it can lead to a profound question: Who am I now, if I’m no longer