Two major changes most widows face are changes in their financial situation and which other major adjustment?

• A. Disruption of their entire social network
• B. Changes in their eating habits
• C. Difficulty with perceptions of reality
• D. Altering of their relationship with adult children

Answer: (A)

Widowhood brings a shift in daily life that touches more than finances; it often disrupts social connections built around the couple. Losing a spouse removes a central daily companion and partner in shared activities, which can lead to a shrinking or reconfiguring of the social network—friends, community roles, and ongoing support that were tied to the marriage. This forces widows to seek new social ties, redefine routines, and rebuild their sense of community, making social network disruption a core adjustment they must navigate.

While changes in eating habits, shifts in perceptions of reality, or evolving relationships with adult children can occur, they are not as universally experienced or as central as the disruption of the social network.