Imagine this scenario: you’re sitting with your loved one reminiscing about a very special time in your life and your loved one struggles to recall an important part of the story that used to bring them so much joy. Is this simply a mere slip of memory or is it something more?   Today, […]

Diving into the vast ocean of cognitive impairment in older adults can be challenging, especially when waves of denial or lack of awareness obstruct the view. As healthcare providers, we often find ourselves caught in the current, struggling to navigate these tumultuous waters. The aging population is on the rise, and with it, an increasing […]

Diving into the vast ocean of cognitive impairment in older adults can be challenging, especially when waves of denial or lack of awareness obstruct the view. As healthcare providers, we often find ourselves caught in the current, struggling to navigate these tumultuous waters. The aging population is on the rise, and with it, an increasing […]

Ageism includes bias, stereotypes, and discrimination based on age and disproportionately impacts older adults.   In this video interview, hosted by Jane Catton, CEO of AgeWell Vermont, you’ll learn different types of ageism common stereotypes about aging how ageism affects older adults 3 steps to take to challenge ageism   Are you a professional looking […]

For many people living with Parkinson’s Disease, sexual functioning can change, but intimacy doesn’t have to. I was working with a 70-something husband and wife a few months ago. The wife was living Parkinson’s Disease and had extreme tremors in her arms and hands. Her tremors were very uncomfortable and extremely distressing to her. But […]

You’ve heard of the situation where an older adult starts to experience depressive symptoms. They become withdrawn. Their mood starts to change. They become more tearful, more sad, more nostalgic, experiencing despair. And the family is out of sorts. They don’t know what to do. They wonder is this normal? Is this not normal? Will […]

You’ve heard of the situation where an older adult starts to experience depressive symptoms. They become withdrawn. Their mood starts to change. They become more tearful, more sad, more nostalgic, experiencing despair. And the family is out of sorts. They don’t know what to do. They wonder is this normal? Is this not normal? Will […]

There are many older adults who may be experiencing new mental health conditions and have never connected with a mental health care provider and may be reluctant to move forward.     Here are 6 pieces of expert advice that I share with older adults new to the mental health space.     Expert advice […]

Many people dread growing older based on assumptions they have about aging. As we age and find ourselves spending time with older adults, it is important to understand what is typical and not typical with aging, as well as the positive aspects of aging.    In fact, research shows that you can help preserve your […]

Depression is a medical condition that impacts more than 7 million adults over the age of 65. Depression can affect mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.   Why is screening for depression in older adults important? The earlier we can identify a depressive disorder and treat it, the less emotional AND physical suffering older adults […]

Depression is a medical condition that impacts more than 7 million adults over the age of 65. Depression can affect mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.   Why is screening for depression in older adults important? The earlier we can identify a depressive disorder and treat it, the less emotional AND physical suffering older adults […]

There’s a phenomenon that occurs as we age that we actually become more resilient over time. That in fact, the experience of moving through adversity and managing emotional storms, losses, and pandemics throughout our life actually creates psychological resilience. With this in mind as we begin talking about depression and older adults, it’s important to […]

Assisted living and long-term care communities have a duty to ensure that residents’ rights of sexual autonomy and self-determination are honored and equally have a duty to protect residents from harm.   A sexual health policy helps to ensure that both standards are being met.     What is a sexual health policy? A sexual […]

Love, intimacy, and sexuality are important aspects for people living with dementia and their intimate partners.   A growing body of research tells us that the majority of older nursing home residents, including those with dementia disorders, continue to value intimacy1,2.   It’s time we shift the narrative about dementia and sexuality toward a more […]

Love, intimacy, and sexuality are important aspects for people living with dementia and their intimate partners.   A growing body of research tells us that the majority of older nursing home residents, including those with dementia disorders, continue to value intimacy1,2.   It’s time we shift the narrative about dementia and sexuality toward a more […]

People with dementia have rights, including the right to sexual expression. To understand sexual expression among people with dementia, we must become familiar with sexual expression among older adults in general. Sexual Expression in Older Adults Studies show that older adults continue to enjoy intimate relationships throughout their lives. Sexual health is an essential part […]