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 […]

Social Withdrawal or Healthy Social Selectivity? Your 83-year-old client’s daughter calls you concerned that her mother just quit her book club after three years and is concerned that her mom will now be isolated and lonely, what’s your first clinical hypothesis? Social withdrawal? Depression? Cognitive decline? Before you take the daughter’s concern at face value, […]

If you work with older adults, you’ve probably heard this question more times than you can count: “What can I do to keep my brain healthy?” The Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) offers some of the most trustworthy, plain-English answers. Convened by AARP (with partners like Age UK), the GCBH brings together international experts […]

  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 […]

Many older adults implement strategies, like crossword puzzles and supplements to stave off dementia, but do these strategies actually work?   Research shows that potentially 45% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed through a series of personal and societal changes.   Because my goal is to give you the most up to date […]

There’s more to aging well than diet and exercise.   Twenty years ago, I set out to build a career working with people living with life altering medical problems, many of whom were at the end of their life. People would often ask me: “Isn’t it depressing? How do you sleep at night?”   My […]

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 […]

According to a study by the CDC, chronic pain impacts over 16,386,000 older adults age 65-84 and an additional 2,596,000 MORE adults over the age of 85 (Dahlhamer et al, 2018).  If you read my post about chronic pain in older adults, you also know that chronic pain can have a negative impact on older […]

  How common is pain among people 65 and older? For better or for worse, most of us associate chronic pain with getting older. We assume that as we age, our bodies will naturally break down and that pain is “just part of getting older”.  According to a report put out by the CDC in […]

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 […]

Exercise is essential for healthy aging. Having a consistent exercise routine helps to reduce risk of mental health conditions, improves cognitive function, and helps our bodies to function optimally. Quickly learn some of the benefits of strength-based training for older adults Benefits of Strength Training Fewer Falls Falls are one of the most common injuries […]