I agree with Royal. In the past years I've talked with a 29 year old friend and an 80 year old friend, both recently widowed - and they both had the same questions and emotions (as I've had in my 50's). Life circumstances may be vastly different, but the base line is the same. None of us are ready. I define a "young" widow/widower as one who's just starting this journey. Marsha

Like others here, I don't fully believe it's an age but an experience and mindset. I started a social group in my home town for 'younger' widows and widowers - we set 55 as the relative age (I'm 51, was widowed at 49) but we have members from age 31 to 67...some widowed less than a year, others more than 10. I have been told that I'm "too young" to be a widow... as though age had anything to do with it!
As for moving forward - I know of one widow age 70 who has 2 boyfriends...Both younger!

50 and below seems to be the definition for "young" support groups. I was widowed at 52 and felt lost between the under 50s and the over 65s.

The first time I was widowed I was 32...the second time I was 49...I think any age is too young. I wish everyone could live to be at least 100.

I've wondered the same thing too. I'm 47 and consider myself one. Liz

Humm
I bet we all thought, I am just too young for this.
Just saying

I lost my husband when I was 22 I'm now 23. He died at the age of 22

I lost my husband when I was 31. It is hard at any age and people all go through common emotions. I don't post much in this group but do follow some of the questions and threads as I find them helpful.