Aging Stressors for Holocaust Survivors and Their Families

A special population which may come to the attention of practitioners in health, mental health and geriatric programs, is the last of the survivors of the Holocaust. This population is particularly vulnerable to the stressors of aging such as loss of work role through retirement, loss of spouse, and health problems. Former coping strategies may no longer be effective and bereavement and health problems may reactivate Holocaust terror, adding to the normal burdens experienced by spouses or the second generation when assuming the caregiving role. The role of caregiver may be exaggerated by the transgenerational influence of the Holocaust, and calls for a range of specialized programs and services by sensitized practitioners.