How an individual is informed of the traumatic loss of a loved one can influence the grieving process and quality of life for survivors. Objective: this qualitative survey aimed to explore how age influences the experience and feelings of those who have received communication of this type of death from a professional figure.

30 people recruited through the use of social networks and word of mouth participated in the study. The participants were divided into three groups according to the age variable (1 group: 10 participants up to 35 years old; 2 group: 10 participants aged between 45 and 55 years; 3 group: 10 participants aged 60 and over) who have received notification of the death of a loved one from police officers or health care professionals. The data was collected through an ad hoc questionnaire, completed online. The thematic analysis technique used Atlas.ti software 8.

the following four key themes were identified: (a) how the communication took place; (b) reactions; (c) support; and (d) coping strategies.

it is possible that advanced age confers greater resilience and coping strategies through life experiences to mitigate the stressful impact of communicating an unexpected and violent death.