We Lost Our Loved Ones Too Early: Untold Experiences of Elderly Widows

This article explores the journey of elderly widows who lost their husbands in their younger age; by scouting their perceptions, roles, responsibilities and the experiences within individual, familial and societal structure. Sixteen elderly widows were interviewed in Sivasagar district of Assam by using purposive sampling methods. Four themes were extracted from the study viz., ‘Influence of family over grief (support and negligence)’, ‘Suffering alone (struggle and commitment)’, ‘Restored self-esteem and self-confidence’ and ‘Later life (blend of positivity and negativity)’. Widows in their younger age get to grips with social disgrace and restrictions in occupation, social and community activities. Fear and precariousness struck at the initial period; yet, with passing time, these women resumed their roles in their households with confidence.