Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp

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 Older Adults: Depression and anxiety are prevalent but not normal aspect...

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 increased alcohol use and practica...

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 to empathize and validate their feelings t...

In this touching episode, I share invaluable wisdom garnered from two decades of working intimately with older adults.  Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, I share five transformative life lessons that challenge and inspire.  You'll embark on a journey exploring:   the fleeting nature of life and the importance of embracing every moment,  the profound impact of human conn...

Ever wondered if older people get anxious just like young folks do?  Turns out, older adults can get anxious too, but it might look a bit different than what younger people experience. In this episode, we explore the questions: 1. How does anxiety manifest differently in older adults compared to younger individuals? 2. What biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to anxiety in sen...

Dive into '3 Myths About Aging and Intimacy', inspired by lessons from the Golden Bachelor. We'll debunk common myths surrounding love and relationships in our later years using research, not stereotypes. The Golden Bachelor, with his own love stories, teaches us that age doesn't stop true connections. Plus, if medical conditions have you worried about intimacy, we've got...

Unlock the mystery behind the leading cause of cognitive impairment. Expert insights on prevention and management strategies. 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

Learn the difference between cognitive impairment versus memory loss, and the answer to the question "is mild cognitive impairment dementia?" Are you therapist, social worker, counselor, psychologist working with older adults?  If you're like most therapists, you haven't had training addressing cognitive issues in therapy leaving you feeling ineffective, stuck, and unsure of ho...

When couples experience life altering medical conditions, like Parkinson's Disease, their level of intimacy can plummet. Here are 5 strategies that you can use to cultivate intimacy and connection with your partner. Learn more about aging and sexual health here In honor of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) Awareness Month, I'm partnering with the American Parkinson Disease Association on the rele...

Learn the difference between therapist, psychiatrist, and neuropsychologist when it comes to finding mental health care for older adults. Knowing what each professional does will help you to identify the mental health professional best able to address your most immediate need. Here’s an overview of the three most common licensed mental health professionals who specialize with older adults. LEARN M...

Expert advice for seniors new to therapy. In this episode I share common causes of depression in older adulthood  and key advice for older adults who are new to the mental health space. Go to the show notes here FIND A MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER FOR OLDER ADULTS GET CONTINUING EDUCATION Have a topic idea? Send us a text. PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here   Attention...

Do you regularly screen for depression in the older adults you work with? Do you know which screening tools are best to use with older adults? With adults with mild cognitive impairment? With adults with moderate to severe dementia?  No worries! I got you covered.   In this week's video, you'll learn:  ⭐️ 5 must have (and free) depression screening tools to use with older adults ⭐️ the...

What are the signs of depression in older adults? How common is depression among older adults? How to help older adults get connected to care?  What happens when depressed older adults do not receive mental health care? In this podcast, you'll learn the answers to each of these questions and more. You have an important role in helping older adults get the mental health care they need. Learn m...

[CEU Podcast] More than half of the people in the US living with HIV are 50 years old and older. With the use of antiretroviral medications, people who were diagnosed with HIV decades ago have been able to live well into older adulthood.  Sadly, stigma due to age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV status contributes to poor mental and physical health among older adults living with HIV. ...

CEU Episode. Elder abuse is underreported Elder abuse and exploitation have a significant impact on older adults who experience it, including an increased risk for death, worsening of chronic illness, increased likelihood of hospitalization and placement in a nursing home, as well as increased rates of depression, anxiety, among other consequences. In this 60min continuing education podcast episod...

[CEU Episode] One out of every 20 older adults in the U.S. is a victim of financial exploitation, losing an average of $80,000 to $186,000 (olderadultnestegg.com).  The vast majority of elder financial abuse cases are most likely to be somebody the older adult knows: 54% family members, 31% care workers, and 13% partners (Jackson, 2016). Banks and money service businesses reported a 400% increase...

[CE Podcast] Does it surprise you to hear that the majority of adults between 65 and 80 are sexually active? ​In fact, a recent survey of more than 1,000 adults between 65-80 years old, found that 50.9% of men and 30.8% of women reported being sexually active. ​Despite older adults remaining sexually active, they are not often discussing sexual health with their health providers and when they do,...

[CE Podcast]  Older white men have the highest rates of suicide, more than any other age group. Thus, it is essential that you have tools for addressing and preventing suicide among older adults. Click here to earn continuing education credits for this episode In this one hour continuing education podcast, you'll discover:  Statistics about older adults and suicide,   Cultural factors that ma...

[CEU Podcast]- The opioid crisis has highlighted just how harmful opioid-based pain management approaches can be. In this continuing education podcast you will learn the unique challenges and obstacles that face patients suffering with chronic pain and coexisting disorders, including medication misuse abuse or addiction and mental health concerns. You will discover that treatment for chronic pain...

[CEU podcast] Is it safe to prescribe opioids to older adults to manage chronic pain?  Many older adults are prescribed opioids to manage chronic pain. But in the midst of the opioid crisis and risk for addiction, the question arises, "can older adults use opioids safely?"  In this continuing education (CE) podcast episode  you'll learn:  the history of opioid crisis the challenges...

[CEU Podcast]  There are currently unprecedented levels of stress in the United States. Stress directly impacts mental and physical health, including heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, 50% of Americans are living with high blood pressure. With the combination of high levels of stress and high percentages of people living with high blood pressure. It is critical that we hav...

#086 [CEU Podcast] - Chronic pain impacts more than 1 in 5 adults living in the United States and can have a significant negative impact on all aspects of a person’s life, including ability to work or attend school, finances, social and romantic relationships, and sense of self.  Research shows that chronic pain is associated with an increase in risk for depression and suicide. Yet, high rates of...

[CEU Podcast] - The prevalence of delirium is highest among older adults who are medically hospitalized. In fact, 33% of general medical patients who are 70 and older have delirium.  It’s imperative that mental health professionals have a keen understanding of delirium and how to distinguish it from look-alike conditions. This continuing education course will:  provide an overview of delirium and...

[CEU Podcast] - Service providers, including mental health professionals, may be called upon to support a transgender (“trans”) older adult. Supporting trans older adults has much in common with supporting non-trans older adults. This presentation includes general reminders --- like listen rather than give advice, empower rather than “do”, and be open to learning. It also goes into many of the are...

[CEU Podcast]  - With the majority of people living with chronic pain being older adults, it's critical that there are affordable, accessible, AND effective pain management programs to help older adults manage chronic pain.  In this episode, Dr. Beth Darnall, Associate Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, and crea...