Erika Peterson

Widowed men in senior living communities often navigate grief and loneliness within cultural expectations of emotional control and self-reliance. My action research project examined how these dominant masculine norms shape the emotional and physical experiences of men age 65+ in a U.S. senior living community. Through one-on-one interviews, a focus group, and collaborative reflection with staff, the study aimed to investigate how the masculine norms of emotional control and self-reliance influence their experience of grief and loneliness. This presentation will offer practical leadership strategies for fostering environments where widowed older men feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Advisor: Kabo Yang