Imagine sitting across from an 82-year-old woman who has survived the death of her husband, two of her children, and now — a diagnosis that threatens to reshape everything she thought her final years would look like. She has never spoken to a therapist before. She was raised to be strong, resilient, stoic. But here […]

Living alone is a choice many of us treasure—the independence, the comfort of familiar surroundings, the dignity of managing our own daily rhythms. But what happens when dementia enters this picture?    As a geropsychologist who has worked with thousands of older adults navigating cognitive changes, I’ve witnessed both the profound challenges and the remarkable […]

  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 […]

Reflecting on two decades of specializing in psychology with a focus on older adults has been an incredible journey, one that has imparted wisdom and insights I hold dear.   Today, I’m eager to share with you five life lessons that have not only shaped my professional path but also touched my personal life in […]

When working with people with terminal illness, you’ve no doubt heard:  “I don’t want to live like this anymore” “If Medical Aid in Dying isn’t available, I’ll find another way.” “I want help dying, but I don’t want people to think I killed myself.” “I want to go quickly before the dementia gets worse” “Some […]

A couple years ago, I worked with Mr. Davis, a Black man who was 85 and held a strong Jehovah’s Witness faith.  He was in therapy due to a recent separation from his wife. This resulted in lowering his position in his Jehovah’s Witness congregation. New medical issues were cropping up and he was exploring […]

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 […]

As a clinical health psychologist specializing in chronic pain and illness, I have spent the past 12 years working with people who have chronic pain, and during that time I have learned a lot about the experience of pain and all of the many ways that it can impact one’s quality of life.  One of […]

Imagine you live in DC and your aging parent lives alone in Michigan and needs support and resources. You’ve been to visit your parent a few times to help get them set up with services, but you’re finding it more and more difficult to take the time off work and leave your life in DC […]