I recently received a letter from a listener of my podcast: “Dear Dr. Koepp, My mom has recently become depressed. She’s 94 and lives alone. My family and I aren’t sure what we should be doing (if anything). Where should we go from here?” I have tremendous respect for this listener for reaching out to […]

Coronavirus: Isolate the Elderly was the sign on the freeway that I would see twice a day as I drove to and from work at a busy medical center in a Geropsychiatry Outpatient Clinic to provide tele-therapy to older adults and their families during COVID. I cringed every time I drove past this sign. Since […]

Coronavirus: Isolate the Elderly was the sign on the freeway that I would see twice a day as I drove to and from work at a busy medical center in a Geropsychiatry Outpatient Clinic to provide tele-therapy to older adults and their families during COVID. I cringed every time I drove past this sign. Since […]

With the recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, there has been an important spotlight on racial injustice in this country and the toll that these injustices have taken on Black lives. As a Geropsychologist working in Atlanta, a City in Georgia known for its history of slavery and Civil Rights, many […]

Over the past few weeks listeners have been reaching out to me sharing their stories of loss. I’ve heard from several people that their aging parent or their older sister-in-law, or their older cousin died. Some due to coronavirus and others due to dementia, or even a sudden heart attack.   I’ve created this blog […]

We’ve all heard stories of older adults on lock down in their long-term care community. Maybe you’ve even seen the images of family members visiting their loved ones separated by windows or glass.  Like a granddaughter sharing her engagement ring, a son sitting outside talking on the phone with his dad inside his apartment, or […]

We’ve all heard stories of older adults on lock down in their long-term care community. Maybe you’ve even seen the images of family members visiting their loved ones separated by windows or glass.  Like a granddaughter sharing her engagement ring, a son sitting outside talking on the phone with his dad inside his apartment, or […]

I hear from caregivers pretty regularly that”nobody really understands how hard caring for a loved one with dementia is!” So, I decided to share some facts about dementia caregivers in the hopes that it will provide some understanding and support for the dementia caregiver’s journey!     If you’re caring for somebody with dementia, I […]

Did you know that people over 65 make up the fastest growing age group in the United States? In fact, every day between 2011 and 2030, 10,000 people in the US will turn 65. Every DAY for 19 years, 10,000 people turn 65! Think about this for a minute. The other day, my neighbor and I were […]

If you’re caring for an older adult and you’ve had to change your routine in the last few weeks with senior centers, doctors’ offices, and adult day programs closing due to COVID-19, you might find yourself experiencing more caregiver stress and burnout.   Last week, I met with a caregiver who was teleworking from home […]

If you’re caring for an older adult and you’ve had to change your routine in the last few weeks with senior centers, doctors’ offices, and adult day programs closing due to COVID-19, you might find yourself experiencing more caregiver stress and burnout.   Last week, I met with a caregiver who was teleworking from home […]

With social distancing in full effect, older adults are encouraged to maintain their distance from others.  But this can have a major impact on your quality of life. It’s essential that during the COVID-19 pandemic that older adults stay physically safe and mentally well. Research shows that older adults who engage in meaningful and productive activities […]

With cities across the nation facing lock-down and Coronavirus rates increasing, people are experiencing higher rates of fear and anxiety. To add to the tension, we’ve been separated from our broader support networks due to social distancing, like places of worship, senior centers, and adult day programs. And don’t even get me started on economic […]

With the Coronavirus affecting adults over 60 at greater levels than other age groups, many older adults are electing to “self-isolate” or are actually on “lock down” at long-term care or skilled nursing communities.    Social distancing and protecting the most “at risk” populations (i.e., adults 60 and older) is the current recommendation. And, I […]

With the Coronavirus affecting adults over 60 at greater levels than other age groups, many older adults are electing to “self-isolate” or are actually on “lock down” at long-term care or skilled nursing communities.    Social distancing and protecting the most “at risk” populations (i.e., adults 60 and older) is the current recommendation. And, I […]

With the Coronavirus affecting adults over 60 at greater levels than other age groups, many older adults are electing to “self-isolate” or are actually on “lock down” at long-term care or skilled nursing communities.    Social distancing and protecting the most “at risk” populations (i.e., adults 60 and older) is the current recommendation. And, I […]