Loneliness is as harmful as smoking—and 43% of older adults experience loneliness. Social Isolation increases the risk of dementia 31%. The cure?  Connection and Belonging. 

Are older adults really lonelier than young people?
You might be surprised by the answer. In this episode of The Psychology of Aging, we uncover the complex truth about loneliness and isolation in older adults—and why their impact is far more dangerous than many realize.

You'll learn the critical difference between loneliness and social isolation, how they each affect caregivers and people living with dementia, and why the consequences can be as severe as smoking, drinking, or living with obesity.

But we won’t stop there.

You'll also discover the revolutionary power of “social prescribing”—a compassionate, connection-first approach to well-being that’s gaining momentum in healthcare. You'll hear about a small-town doctor writing prescriptions for coffee and community… and how you can do the same in your own clinical practice.

Whether you're a psychologist, therapist, social worker, or aging services professional, this episode will inspire you to screen, connect, and prescribe belonging.

What You'll Learn:

• Why older adults may feel less lonely than young adults—but suffer more from its effects
• The difference between loneliness and isolation (and why this matters for dementia care)
• Startling statistics: how loneliness increases risk for dementia, heart disease, stroke, and depression
• Why quality of social ties matters more than quantity
• The role of social prescribing: how to refer clients to connection—not just care
• Creative ideas for connection, including book clubs, walking groups, and even coffee shops
• Two screening tools for loneliness and isolation to use in your practice
• A powerful quote: “Social prescribing connects a person to what matters to them—not just what’s the matter with them.”

Click here for all of the resources mentioned in this episode

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

Have you ever wondered what really happens after someone is scammed out of $25,000? Not only the steps to take after you've been scammed, but the psychological toll? 

A couple weeks ago, I received an email from a listener asking for help—resources for older adults who’ve been financially exploited. That email sparked this episode, and I’m so glad it did.

Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of what it’s really like for older adults after financial exploitation. I’ll share two powerful stories—one of an 84-year-old and another of a 46-year-old—and walk you through the unconscious age biases that shape how we react to fraud victims. We’ll also talk about the common scams, the emotional fallout, and most importantly—what you can do to support healing and prevent re-traumatization.

This episode is especially close to my heart. I was invited by the Vermont Financial Elder Abuse Specialist Team to lead a workshop on this very topic, and I’ve been wanting to share it with you ever since.

If you care about protecting and uplifting older adults—this is a must-listen.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why older adults aren’t the only ones falling for scams—and why we judge them more harshly
• How ageism quietly shows up in our reactions to fraud
• The top financial scams impacting people 60+ and how scammers manipulate trust
• The emotional timeline of recovery: from shock and shame to anger and exhaustion
• 4 major mental health effects of financial exploitation you need to watch for
• How to talk with older adults about fraud in ways that heal—not harm
• What trauma-informed support really looks like after financial betrayal
• Where to find peer support groups, prevention tools, and trusted therapists

Click here to get all the resources mentioned in this episode

A Guide for Mental Health and Aging Services Professionals to Supporting Older Adults Recovering from Financial Exploitation. Click here to download the guide

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

The first sign I was experiencing vicarious trauma hit me like a ton of bricks. Learn how to recognize, prevent, and heal from the emotional impact of therapy.

I am so glad that you're here and joining me for part two of Trauma-Informed Care with Older Adults. Today’s episode focuses on you—the professional in your role of providing care and services to older adults.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, mental health provider, aging services professional, or home health aide, your health and wellness matter just as much as the people you serve.

For over 20 years, I’ve worked with older adults in various settings, many of whom were recovering from significant trauma. I have always been diligent about self-care and sought support through my own therapy. But my experience with vicarious trauma still caught me off guard—and it hit me hard.

In this episode, I share my own journey of recognizing vicarious trauma, the signs to look for, and how to navigate healing so you can continue doing the work you love without sacrificing your well-being.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• I share the first sign I was experiencing vicarious trauma
• What vicarious trauma is and why professionals are at risk
• Key warning signs of vicarious trauma
• The impact of trauma exposure on mental health providers and aging service professionals
• Strategies to recognize, manage, and prevent vicarious trauma
• Organizational and personal solutions to creating a sustainable career in care work

Click here to Get your free Trauma-Informed Care Guide

Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters in Aging Services

A trauma-informed approach:
✔️ Improves trust and engagement between older adults and providers
✔️ Leads to better health outcomes and reduces health inequities
✔️ Helps providers avoid burnout and fosters resilience within care teams

Click here to go to the show notes for this episode

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

Up to 90% of older adults have experienced trauma, yet their needs are often overlooked. Learn the essentials of trauma-informed care and how to foster healing and resilience.

Trauma-informed care is essential for supporting older adults across healthcare, mental health, and social service settings.

In this episode, we explore: 

✅ The difference between trauma treatment and Trauma Informed Care
✅ The three E’s of trauma: Events, Experience, and Effects
✅ The impact of trauma across the lifespan, from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to end of life. 
✅ The connection between PTSD, aging, and medical trauma
✅ The four R’s of trauma-informed care
✅ How culturally inclusive trauma-informed care improves outcomes for older adults and healthcare teams

Click here to Get your free Trauma-Informed Care Guide

Click here to get access  all of the resources and references mentioned in this episode

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

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.

In today’s episode, we break down barriers preventing older adults from receiving the mental health support they need. You’ll learn how common myths about aging impact mental health care, why stigma plays a significant role, and what you can do to change the landscape of care for older adults.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The major barriers preventing older adults from accessing mental health care
• How common misconceptions about aging contribute to untreated mental health conditions
• Why ageism in health care and mental health professions keeps older adults from getting help
• The connection between mental health, chronic illness, and dementia risk
• How you can help bridge older adults to mental health care

How You Can Help

Older adults deserve access to quality mental health care. Whether you are a mental health professional or someone who works with older adults, you play a key role in bridging the gap.

📢 Want to improve your ability to recognize and address memory concerns in older adults? Download my free training

This 10-minute expert training will help you gain clarity on detecting memory loss in therapy—a crucial skill for ensuring older adults receive the mental health support they need.

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

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 marriage, and supporting his sister through terminal cancer—Steven embarked on a journey to understand how joy coexists with grief, resilience, and even imperfection. Through deeply personal stories, humor, and wisdom, he reveals how small, intentional acts can bring light even in life’s darkest seasons. Whether you’re struggling to reclaim joy or simply want to invite more of it into your daily life, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to cultivate joy in unexpected ways. Don’t miss this heartwarming and thought-provoking episode!

Here's a Peek Inside the Episode: 

• [01:54] Why a Book on Joy?
• [06:45] The Pecan Pie Competition & Joy of Storytelling
• [09:22] The Difference Between Happiness and Joy
• [12:50] Why We Struggle to Allow Ourselves Joy
• [17:22] Joy and Resilience
• [24:37] Embracing Imperfection
• [29:58] The Bond Between Siblings & Honoring Loss
• [32:00] Medical Aid in Dying: Julie’s Choice- Steven reflects on his sister Julie’s decision to pursue medical aid in dying (MAID) and how their family navigated this process. He discusses the importance of choice, dignity, and supporting a loved one through their end-of-life journey.
• [38:12] Joy Amidst Grief
• [39:23] A Simple Call to Action for Joy- Advice for listeners: Every night before you go to sleep, reflect on one moment that brought you joy that day—even on the hardest days.

Click here to get access to all of the resources mentioned in this episode. 

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

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.

You’ll learn:

• What ageism is and how it manifests in mental health care.
• The impact of structural and individual ageism on mental and physical health.
• Research-backed insights, including Dr. Becca Levy’s groundbreaking work on the Stereotype Embodiment Theory.
• How ageism and ableism intersect to create barriers for older adults. 

We also explore the unique challenges faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) older adults:

• By 2030, the older white population in the U.S. will increase by 39%, while the older BIPOC population will grow by 89%.
• By 2050, over 42% of adults aged 65 and older will be BIPOC.
• Studies show that nearly 50% of Black Americans report experiencing racial discrimination in health care, and BIPOC older adults are disproportionately excluded from clinical trials.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for culturally responsive, anti-ageist, and anti-racist mental health care practices.

Let’s rewrite the narrative: Older adults are resilient, capable, and deserving of high-quality mental health care.

Click here to visit the show notes page for all references and resources

Resources Mentioned:

•  5 Expert Strategies for Addressing Memory Loss in Therapy
•  Continuing education course on the impact of ageism

Subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague or friend. Together, we can ensure older adults are included in the mental health conversation.

Follow Dr. Regina Koepp:
Website: www.drreginakoepp.com & Center for Mental Health & Aging
LinkedIn: Regina Koepp, Psy.D.

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

If you’re committed to meeting the mental health needs of older adults, this episode is for you. In 2024, we saw some incredible advancements in mental health research for older adults—insights that can shape how you practice and care for this underserved population.

As a geropsychologist, I’m passionate about equipping you with the tools you need to make a difference. Let’s dive into 5 discoveries in mental health and aging from 2024 that you absolutely need to know.

1. 14 Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia:

• Review the expanded list from the Lancet Commission.
• Learn how addressing these factors can reduce dementia risk by 45%.

2. New Treatments for Depression:

• Explore cognitive remediation and transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS).
• Learn about their benefits for slowing cognitive decline and improving mental health.

3. Importance of Social Connection:

• Feeling lonely increases the risk for dementia by 31%
• Equating risk of loneliness to that of smoking or physical inactivity. 
• Learn how to address loneliness in this episode. 

4. Anxiety and Dementia Link:

• Findings from the Hunter Community Study on how early anxiety treatment reduces dementia risk.

5. ADHD in Older Adults:

• Learn how ADHD symptoms manifest differently in older adults and why proper diagnosis matters.

Click here for the show notes 

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

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 process.

In this episode, I discuss how to support older adults following disasters, highlighting common reactions, risk factors, and effective strategies for fostering psychological recovery.

Key Takeaways

• Common Reactions: Emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral responses older adults may experience after a disaster, and how these differ from typical stress reactions.
• Vulnerability Factors: Chronic health conditions, social isolation, and financial challenges that can exacerbate distress.
• Resilience in Older Adults: How past experiences often enhance older adults' ability to recover.
• Practical Strategies: Building trust, fostering community connections, accessing resources, and recognizing when professional mental health care is needed.
• Resources for Support: Key tools like SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline and local Area Agencies on Aging.

Click here for the show notes

Resources Mentioned

• Trauma-Informed Care with Older Adults Guide
• Helping Older Adults After Disasters: A Guide by SAMHSA
• Differentiating Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Unique Considerations for Older Adults
• Helping Older Adults Prepare for Disasters: Essential Resources & Tips
• SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
• National Crisis Hotline for Mental Health: 988
• Find Your local Area Agency on Aging

FREE RESOURCE 

If you’re supporting older adults recovering from a disaster, don’t forget to download my Trauma-Informed Care Guide for Older Adults. Together, we can provide the compassionate care older adults need to recover and thrive.

Subscribe and Leave a Review

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague or friend. Together, we can ensure older adults are included in the mental health conversation.

Follow Dr. Regina Koepp on LinkedIn: Regina Koepp, Psy.D.

It's only with your help that we can meet the mental health needs of older adults. So, thank you for being here and doing your part. 

Link to the show notes page here: 

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

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, stigma, and misdiagnosis perpetuate these gaps.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why ADHD diagnoses are underreported among adults 65+ despite growing rates in younger age groups.
• The critical role of ageism in excluding older adults from clinical trials and mental health care.
• How stigma, misdiagnosis, and provider training gaps keep older adults from receiving proper care.
• The importance of resilience in older adults and how it can mask mental health challenges.

Key Takeaways:

1. Misleading headlines distract from real mental health challenges faced by older adults.
2. Ageism and stigma reduce the chances of mental health conditions being identified and treated.
3. Untreated mental health issues lead to poorer quality of life, higher medical costs, and increased risk for suicide.
4. Older adults deserve accurate representation and equitable care in mental health conversations.

Articles Referenced: 

• “A.D.H.D. Diagnoses Are Surging Among Older Americans.” 
• Truveta Analysis on ADHD diagnoses 2018-2024 (scroll down to see the graph I discuss in the episode). 

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about Dr. Regina Koepp and the Center for Mental Health & Aging
• Previous features of Dr. Koepp in The New York Times: 
  • 3 Steps to Age Exuberantly
  • How to Change Your Mind-Set About Aging

Did you enjoy this episode?
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague or friend. Together, we can ensure older adults are included in the mental health conversation.

Follow Dr. Regina Koepp:

• Website: www.drreginakoepp.com & Center for Mental Health & Aging
• LinkedIn: Regina Koepp, Psy.D.

Join the Conversation:
What do you think about the mental health needs of older adults? Share your thoughts and questions by commenting or reaching out on social media.

Let’s work together to spotlight the real issues and make sure no one is left out of the mental health conversation!

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits