What if I told you that nearly half of all older adults — not a small, extraordinary handful, but almost half — actually improve their cognitive and physical functioning as they age? Not maintain. Not slow the decline. Improve.   I know. That probably feels like it contradicts everything you’ve heard — from society, from […]

Recently, a 73-year-old journalist reached out with a question I hear often in my work as a geropsychologist, but rarely see reflected in our culture: what do we do with the grief that comes with aging? She told me she’s known grief in the ways we’re used to naming—losing a sister in young adulthood, an […]

What does it really take to build a national movement for mental health and aging? If you’ve ever had a big dream or felt a deep calling to change the world—especially for older adults—you know that the path to change is rarely straight, easy, or predictable. In this post, I’m inviting you behind the scenes […]

Up to 1 in 5 older adults lives with a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder. And yet—most go undiagnosed and untreated. Why? Because too often we only focus on the body and neglect the mind and soul. The truth is: mental health concerns are just as treatable in later life […]

20-22%  of older adults live with a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, or a dementia-related disorder. Yet, the vast majority go undetected and untreated. Why? A complex web of misconceptions, systemic failures, and structural barriers keeps older adults from getting the care they need.   Mental health conditions are just […]

  Ageism poses a threat to mental health and well-being, especially for older adults. Research shows that ageism can significantly impact the psychological well-being of older individuals. From depression to anxiety, the effects of age-based prejudice are harmful.   Ageism includes stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) towards […]

At a recent family gathering, I witnessed two older adults who hadn’t seen each other in a decade comment, “you look great for your age” and the other in response: “you don’t look so bad”. It’s as if all rules of social engagement are chucked out the window when it comes to growing older.   […]

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 […]

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 […]

When we think of older adults during COVID, images of older adults living in long-term care communities sheltering in place with hands pressed against windows trying to connect with loved ones circle in our heads. 2020 was a year of incredible hardship and pain for many people and especially for many older adults and their […]

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 […]