Abstract
Previous generations' inherent and natural knowledge of encouraging routines and rituals for mourning is no longer an obvious part of our society of today. The aim with this literature review was to present elderly spouses experience in connection with their partners' death. The result has been achieved by qualitative content analysis of eleven scientific articles. The categories and sub- categories that appeared have been used to describe the altered life situation the elderly faced. Death involves a series of experiences for the surviving relatives and in order to cope with the situation there is a need to adapt to the different requirements. The spouses undergo varying stages of adjustment during the mourning. The conclusions from this literature review were that elderly surviving experiences altered over time but that loneliness remains during a very long space of time. Lack of social support and close connections compose risk factors, which have negative influences on the mental health. Over the years, the overall majority of the surviving adjusts well to the loss of their partner.