If your 75-year-old client stops coming to therapy, it might not be them. It might be your approach.   In this episode, I explore why therapy must evolve, just like people, with age. I share five powerful ways to evolve your practice to better serve older adults.     While many therapists are trained to […]

Did you know that 20-22% of older adults have a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder—yet most go undetected and untreated? This isn’t because these conditions aren’t treatable, but because systemic barriers, misconceptions, and a lack of professional training make it harder for older adults to access the care they deserve. […]

What if joy isn’t something we find, but something we create—especially in life’s hardest moments?   In this episode of The Psychology of Aging Podcast, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Steven Petrow returns to share insights from his newest book, The Joy You Make.   After experiencing profound loss—losing both parents, the end of a […]

  Your Hidden Biases May Be Harming Your Clients.   Have you ever thought, “Older adults are just set in their ways” or “Therapy isn’t effective for older clients”? If so, this episode is for you. Today, we tackle the hidden biases that even seasoned mental health professionals may hold toward older adults.   Here’s What You’ll Learn in […]

    Imagine being 85 or 95 years old, surviving a natural disaster like wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes, and facing the immense challenge of grieving your losses while navigating emotional and psychological recovery.   Older adults often show remarkable resilience, but unique challenges like chronic health conditions, isolation, and cognitive vulnerabilities can complicate the recovery […]

There was a misleading headline from The New York Times recently that claimed ADHD diagnoses are surging among “older Americans.”   In this episode, I set the record straight by clarifying who qualifies as an “older adult” (65+), highlighting why mental health needs for older adults are so often overlooked, and explaining how systemic issues like ageism, […]

  Have you ever felt rejuvenated after a day spent outdoors, perhaps gardening or simply enjoying a walk in the woods? Recently, nature has been my much needed therapy.   In today’s episode, I’ll share how my own journey into the world of gardening and nature began at a time when I needed it most—right […]

    Today we’re diving deep into a topic that affects many older adults but is often misunderstood: depression and anxiety.     While these mental health conditions are prevalent among older adults, they are not a normal part of aging and deserve our attention and care.   Episode Highlights: Understanding Depression and Anxiety in […]

Did you know that 65% of adults over 65 report high-risk drinking? Understanding the unique impacts of alcohol on aging bodies is crucial for all of us.   In this episode, I’ll walk you through three key considerations: increased sensitivity to alcohol, health complications, and harmful interactions with medications. We’ll also discuss common triggers for […]

Are you noticing signs of depression or anxiety in your older loved ones or clients and wondering how to approach the topic? This video is your essential guide to navigating these sensitive conversations with compassion and effectiveness. Learn from Dr. Regina Koepp, a geropsychologist, as she shares expert tips on: Starting the Conversation: Discover how […]

Is anxiety normal in older adulthood? What causes anxiety in older adulthood? Is anxiety treatable in older adulthood? With so many misconceptions about mental health in older adulthood, our aim is to set the record straight with the science. ​ In this episode, my guest, Dr. Julie Erickson, clinical psychologist and author of The Aging […]

Aging and intimacy often bring forth various misconceptions. Dive into the latest episode of our “Psychology of Aging Podcast” where we unmask the reality of love and sexual health for older adults. Inspired by the heartfelt journey of Gerry from the popular “Golden Bachelor” series, this episode offers eye-opening statistics, heartwarming anecdotes, and expert insights […]