Aging may come with virtues like wisdom and experience, but it also coincides with numerous losses. The weight of experiencing these losses, which may occur simultaneously, can't necessarily be expressed with words alone. However, the toll is real, and it can be quite distressing. Beyond the devastation of bereavement, many older adults struggle with the profound grief associated with gradually...[ read more ]
Conversations about pursuing therapy can be delicate, especially with an elderly parent. You may see your parent struggling with complex experiences like bereavement, loneliness, health challenges, or anxiety. You might believe therapy could be helpful, but bringing this up can be tricky. Many older adults grew up in times when mental health care was stigmatized or misunderstood. Others may feel...[ read more ]
If you have noticed that alcohol or prescription drugs are affecting you differently these days, you're not overreacting or imagining things. As the body ages, it can also become more susceptible to the various impacts of mood-altering substances. For example, you may experience new adverse symptoms or find yourself self-medicating complex emotions more frequently. These changes matter because substance misuse...[ read more ]
As people age, it’s not uncommon to experience various changes in memory, mood, and mental clarity. Sometimes these changes are subtle and fairly easy to reconcile. But other times, they can feel distressing and disorienting. As various changes progress, you may not understand what you need or how to take the best care of yourself. Furthermore, many mental health issues...[ read more ]
Cognitive changes are part of normal aging. After all, everyone occasionally forgets a name or misplaces their keys. But when new symptoms of memory loss, disorientation, or changes in cognitive function start to feel persistent, it can bring up intense fear, guilt, and grief. If you're starting to notice mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or are concerned about worsening memory problems,...[ read more ]
Although therapy has become far more mainstream in recent years, many older adults still face significant barriers when accessing mental health treatment. Despite increased awareness and reduced stigma around seeking therapy, people in their later stages of life don't always receive the support they deserve. The reasons for this are complex, rooted in personal beliefs and systemic issues that make...[ read more ]
Divorce occurring later in life, sometimes called 'gray divorce,' has become more common recently. Recent research shows that 36% of all couples divorcing are over age 50. Regardless of where you stand on this topic, it may be helpful to understand the nuances associated with this significant life transition. In any situation, divorce can be emotionally and logistically complicated. While each...[ read more ]
How to Release Perfectionism in Middle Age We all know that perfect is the enemy of good, and yet so many people struggle with the desire to overachieve, perform well, and have everything under control. There's nothing wrong with striving for excellence or having goals. However maladaptive perfectionism can make it difficult to rest and enjoy the present moment. It...[ read more ]
Preparing a will is one of the most beneficial things you can do to keep your affairs in order and ensure that your assets are handled the way you desire. However, a recent study found that 67% of Americans have no estate plan intact. As a general rule, any adult should have a will. This applies even if you don't...[ read more ]
Despite the cliched platitudes about living life with no regrets, reality proves to be much different. It's estimated that we make at least 35,000 decisions a day- with so many options available, regret is unavoidable. The good news is that regret isn't a bad or negative feeling. It's a natural reaction everyone experiences. While regret feels uncomfortable, you can learn...[ read more ]