Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp

Depression is not a normal part of aging—yet it's silently stealing joy, independence, and even life from millions of older adults. Most go undiagnosed and untreated. Why? Because we mistake their suffering for “just getting older.” But here’s the truth: late-life depression is serious—and it’s highly treatable. In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to spot the signs, challenge the myths, and take action that truly changes lives. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * What late-onset depression is and how it differs from earlier-life depression * How depression presents differently in older adults—beyond just sadness * Key risk factors: chronic illness, loss, isolation, and more * Why the myth that "older adults can’t change" is flat-out wrong * Practical, research-informed steps you can take to help someone get care * Why healing and transformation are possible—at every age Here’s the Truth: When older adults don’t receive mental health care: ✔️ Medical issues worsen ✔️ Medication use increases ✔️ Hospital visits spike ✔️ Caregiver and family stress grows ✔️ Quality of life plummets ✔️ Suicide risk rises But when they do get care? Healing happens. Purpose returns. And lives transform. Click here to get resources mentioned in this episode.  [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/podcast/is-late-life-depression-treatable/] Remember... it’s only with your help that we can meet the mental health needs of older adults. So thank you for being here—and thank you for doing your part. 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're building a movement for mental health and aging. Because there is no expiration date on healing, transformation, and growth.   Have a topic idea? Send us a text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/952579/open_sms] PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/guide/] Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits [https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/]

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a national movement for mental health and aging? In this inspiring behind-the-scenes episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the heart, hustle, and healing that built the Center for Mental Health & Aging. You’ll hear where it all started—from working late nights with two small children at home to battling systemic bias in healthcare settings. I’ll walk you through the moments I nearly gave up, the surprising victories, and the “why” that keeps me going. If you’re a mental health professional, aging services provider, or change-maker with a mission-driven heart, this episode is for you. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * Why I left a successful career at the VA to start the Center for Mental Health & Aging * The barriers professionals face when working with older adults—and how we can solve them * How our signature GeroChampions program evolved into a national training movement * The step-by-step vision I mapped out (with a thermometer!) to earn CEU accreditation * How we’ve trained thousands of professionals and launched over 30 courses * Why there's no expiration date on healing, transformation, and love * What post-traumatic growth has to teach us about aging well * And why older adults deserve more than just care—they deserve dignity and mental health equity GO TO SHOW NOTES HERE [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/podcast/how-i-built-the-center-for-mental-health-aging/] Resources Mentioned: * Free Download: Clinician's Guide to Mental Health & Aging [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/guide/] * Mental Health & Aging Certificate Program [https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/p/mental-health-aging-certificate-curriculum] * Culturally Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Care with Older Adults Certificate Program [https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/p/trauma-informed-care-older-adults-certificate-cmha] * End of Life Ethics & Psychotherapy Course [https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/p/ethics-20241] * See all CEU Courses  [https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/] * National Provider Directory [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/find-a-geriatric-mental-health-care-provider-in-your-area/]   Remember... it’s only with your help that we can meet the mental health needs of older adults. So thank you for being here—and thank you for doing your part. 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're building a movement for mental health and aging. Because there is no expiration date on healing, transformation, and growth.    Have a topic idea? Send us a text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/952579/open_sms] PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/guide/] Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits [https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/]

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 [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/podcast/loneliness-in-older-people-must-have-tools-to-address-loneliness-isolation/] Have a topic idea? Send us a text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/952579/open_sms] PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/guide/] Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits [https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/]

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 [https://mentalhealthandaging.kit.com/support] Have a topic idea? Send us a text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/952579/open_sms] PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/guide/] Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits [https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/]

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 [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/tic/] 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 [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/podcast/recognizing-and-healing-vicarious-trauma-for-mental-health-health-care-professionals/]to go to the show notes for this episode Have a topic idea? Send us a text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/952579/open_sms] PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here [https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/guide/] Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits [https://courses.mentalhealthandaging.com/]