Navigating Grief and End-of-Life Planning with Kitchen Table Conversations

Grief is a journey - deeply personal, sometimes overwhelming, and always complex.

AARP is teaming up with Kitchen Table Conversations to bring a virtual series that provides compassionate and practical guidance to help individuals and families navigate loss, grief, and end-of-life planning. From coping with anticipatory grief to supporting grieving loved ones and organizing final wishes, each webinar offers practical tools and insights for addressing real-life challenges.

Below is a summary of this summer's upcoming virtual classes, all of which are free and open to the public. Click the links to register and join the conversations.

1. Expected Loss: Coping with Anticipatory Grief
July 17 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Learn how to handle grief before a loss occurs and support others through it.

2. What to Say and What NOT to Say to Someone Grieving
July 24 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Discover the words that comfort and those that can hurt when speaking with someone grieving.

3. You're Not Crazy, You're Grieving: 6 Steps to Surviving Loss
July 31 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Understand grief's emotional impact and learn six actionable steps to healing.

4. The Guilt of Grief
August 7 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Explore how to understand and express guilt and regret in healthy, healing ways.

5. Men and Grief: Why Men Grieve Differently
August 14 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Learn how societal norms affect men's grief and how to better support them.

6. Finding Meaning After a Loss
August 21 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Move forward by finding meaning, releasing pain, and remembering with love.

7. If You're Lonely: Finding Your Way
August 28 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Address loneliness after loss and learn how to reconnect with purpose.

8. Nature Heals: Engaging with the Natural World
September 11 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Discover how nature can be a powerful ally in the grieving process.

9. When Your Pet Dies
September 18 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Honor the deep bonds we share with pets and learn how to grieve their loss.

10. Too Much Loss: Coping with Grief Overload
September 25 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
When loss feels too heavy, discover strategies for managing cumulative grief.

1. Your "Peace of Mind" End-of-Life Plan
August 5 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Start the conversation early. Learn how to decide, discuss, and document your final wishes.

2. Advance Care Planning Made Easy
August 12 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Get clear on legal, medical, and personal decisions before the need arises.

3. End-of-Life Decisions: Part 3
August 19 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Continue building your personalized end-of-life roadmap in this third session.

4. End-of-Life Decisions: Part 4
August 26 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Refine and finalize your plan with supportive guidance and thoughtful discussion.

5. After Death, Care and Support
September 2 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Understand what happens after death and how to plan for final arrangements.