Advertise on podcast: Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp

A few days ago, I was interviewed for NPR’s Here & Now, and the host asked me about my “aging journey.” I felt a little flustered—not because it was a bad question, but because I’m 50. And when people ask me about aging, my mind goes straight to older adulthood: 65, 75, 85, 95 and beyond. So my answer didn’t land the way I wanted it to. I left the interview thinking, I wish I’d said that differently.   What I wish I’d said in the moment is this: when I talk about aging, I’m usually talking about older adulthood—the stretch of life that can span decades, roughly from 65 to 122. It’s not a single moment or an identity you suddenly “become.” It’s a long, dynamic developmental chapter, with real change, real challenge, and real growth over time.   And honestly, at 50, I don’t feel like I’ve lived enough of older adulthood to speak from deep personal experience about what it’s like. What I do know—because for the past 25 years I’ve been a geropsychologist to more than 1,000 older adults and their families—is this: when we’re in midlife and we imagine our older selves, we have to watch for the way fear can sneak in and write the story for us—because that fear can sell our future selves short, and it can miss the resilience, adaptability, and grace that so often grow with age.   The biggest thing I see middle-aged people get wrong In midlife, we often project our fear and dread about aging onto older adulthood. We imagine later life through the lens of what scares us now—physical vulnerability, chronic illness, loss, dependence, mortality. But what we often miss is this: many older adults become remarkably skilled at adapting. They grow in resilience, self-compassion, and wisdom about what matters. That doesn’t erase real challenges, but it does change how we navigate those challenges.  Here's an example: AARP did a large aging survey of more than 2000 people and found that fear of death generally decreases with age. In other words, what feels terrifying in midlife may not feel the same once you actually arrive in later life.   Key Takeaways Aging happens across the lifespan; older adulthood is its own developmental period.Midlife fears can distort how we imagine later life.Older adults frequently develop stronger adaptation skills over time.Avoid overlooking older adults’ resilience by assuming your dread is their reality.  My invitation for you this week If you’re in midlife, notice when you’re imagining older adulthood through your current fears. And if you’re a clinician, caregiver, or family member, practice holding this wider frame: Yes, aging can bring physical vulnerability. And it can also bring increased adaptability, clarity, and grace.   Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 — The NPR question that threw me off 01:00 — Two meanings of “aging” (lifespan vs. older adulthood) 02:10 — The midlife projection trap 02:30 – A research example: fear of death tends to decrease with age 03:10 – What we miss: adaptation, resilience, self-compassion 04:10 – Why Regina cringes at the midlife “aging journey” question 04:45 – This week’s tip: don’t project your stage onto theirs 05:05 – Closing and what’s coming next Click here for all 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

When someone is living with both dementia and PTSD, their needs are complex—but support is still possible, and it can make a world of difference. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned as a geropsychologist working with veterans and older adults navigating both cognitive impairment and trauma. You’ll discover: When trauma therapy can still be effective in the early stages of dementia.How dementia progression changes what’s possible for PTSD treatment.The importance of identifying and minimizing unique trauma triggers.Practical strategies to reduce distress at home or in memory care.Why moving someone because they’re “too difficult” can do more harm than good—and how to respond instead.You’ll also hear real stories from my clinical work and gain trauma-informed approaches you can start using right away to improve quality of life for people living with dementia and PTSD. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance mental health care with dementia care, this conversation will give you the clarity, compassion, and tools you need. Click here to link to show notes and resources 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

Can Unresolved Trauma Increase Dementia Risk? Trauma doesn’t just leave emotional scars—it can change the brain. And when post-traumatic stress goes untreated, the risk for dementia later in life rises. In this episode of my mental health and dementia series, I explore how trauma and PTSD intersect with brain health. Drawing from decades of research and my years working with older veterans, I break down why unresolved trauma increases vulnerability to dementia disorders and what clinicians can do to help. This conversation isn’t just about understanding risk—it’s about hope. Trauma treatment works at any age, and healing now doesn’t only restore quality of life today, it also protects the brain for tomorrow. 3 Key Takeaways from This Episode 1⃣ Trauma raises dementia risk. Landmark studies show veterans with PTSD have double the risk of dementia, and depression or anxiety tied to trauma can increase dementia risk even decades later. 2⃣ The body keeps the score. Trauma heightens cortisol and inflammation, which damage the heart and brain. What’s bad for the heart is bad for the brain. 3⃣ Treatment protects the brain. Trauma therapy in older adulthood restores quality of life now and strengthens brain health and autonomy for the future. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why PTSD symptoms often reemerge in older adulthood, especially after retirement, health changes, or loss.The science behind how trauma affects brain physiology—cortisol, inflammation, and cardiovascular health—and why that matters for dementia risk.Landmark studies linking PTSD, depression, anxiety, and racism-related stress to dementia.Why trauma often goes undetected in older adults—and how ageism can stop clinicians from asking the right questions.Five trauma-informed strategies to support older adults, reduce suffering now, and protect brain health for the future. Click here to see the show notes and get all resources mentioned in this episode.  Download your free Trauma Informed Care Guide 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

Last week, a therapist told me about her client, an 82-year-old woman who hadn’t had more than 6 hours of sleep in years. “It’s just part of getting older,” the woman sighed. But here’s the truth—fatigue isn’t a normal part of aging, and chronic sleep problems may be quietly raising her risk for dementia. As professionals, we can no longer shrug off insomnia in older adults. The stakes are simply too high.   In this episode, I reveal the powerful connection between chronic sleep problems and dementia risk—and why ignoring insomnia symptoms can have lasting consequences for brain health. Here's What You'll Learn In This Episode: Why half of older adults report insomnia symptoms (even if they don’t meet full diagnostic criteria)How sleep architecture changes with age—and why that’s not the same as insomniaThe role of deep sleep in clearing beta amyloid, consolidating memory, and regulating emotionsThree major research studies linking short sleep duration to higher dementia riskFive practical steps you can take to assess and improve sleep in older adultsWhy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the gold standard, especially for people 65+The dangers of common over-the-counter sleep aids for older adultsHow collaborating with primary care and sleep medicine providers can change outcomesAs professionals, we hold the keys to better brain health in aging—often starting with something as simple, yet essential, as quality sleep. Click here to go to show notes and get resources on sleep and aging.    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’ve ever been told that “a little wine is good for you,” you might want to hear what the latest science says—especially when it comes to the aging brain. In this episode, I share compelling new research showing that even moderate alcohol use in midlife and later life may significantly increase the risk of dementia. I’ll walk you through why alcohol use in older adults often goes undetected, how it impacts brain health, and the exact screening tools and questions I use—and that you can use too—to spot red flags early. This isn’t about scare tactics. It’s about equipping you with the facts, the tools, and the confidence to support safer, healthier aging. Whether you’re a therapist, care manager, or simply someone who wants to protect your own brain health, you’ll come away knowing why there may be no safe level of alcohol when it comes to dementia prevention. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1⃣ The brain changes alcohol accelerates—from memory loss to neurotransmitter disruption. 2⃣ Why “invisible” alcohol misuse often goes undetected in later life—and how to spot it. 3⃣ Three screening tools every clinician should know: SMAST-G, AUDIT-C, and CAGE Questionnaire. 4⃣The good news: Older adults can recover—and often have better treatment outcomes than younger adults when care is tailored to them. Click here to get all of the resources mentioned in this episode here 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. 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

Anxiety increases dementia risk by 24% (about the same rate as diabetes) —but treatment for anxiety corrects this. Learn why early detection and treatment in older adults is critical to brain health. In this episode, I unpack the groundbreaking connection between anxiety and dementia. You’ll learn why anxiety is not a normal part of aging—and why your role as a therapist, social worker, psychologist, or aging life care expert is critical in reducing long-term cognitive decline. You’ll walk away with four actionable steps you can take to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older clients—and possibly prevent dementia in the process. This isn't just about reducing symptoms. It's about restoring dignity, peace of mind, and protecting brain health—now and for years to come. Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ How anxiety affects the aging brain and increases dementia risk ✅ Why anxiety is often missed or misdiagnosed in older adults ✅ How to screen, normalize, and treat anxiety in therapy ✅ The importance of collaborative care and early detection ✅ How you can adapt your practice to better serve older clients 👉 Get the full list of research and clinical tools I mention here: https://www.mentalhealthandaging.com/podcast/anxiety-dementia-what-therapists-must-know/ 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 Hidden Link Between Depression and Dementia Every time I sit with a client and help them move through depression, I know I’m not just helping them feel better in the moment—I may also be protecting their brain years down the road. That’s not just a hope—it’s science. In this episode, I’m diving into the powerful link between mental health treatment and dementia prevention. So many therapists don’t realize that untreated depression in midlife and later life increases the risk of dementia. But here’s the hopeful truth: when we treat depression, we don’t just reduce suffering—we may delay or even prevent cognitive decline. If you’re a therapist, this episode is a call to action. You have more power than you think to shape not just your client’s emotional well-being, but their cognitive future. I’ll walk you through the research, the biology, and—most importantly—what you can do right now to support your older clients in living full, vibrant, and connected lives.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why depression is a modifiable risk factor for dementiaWhat the latest research says about treating depression and reducing dementia riskHow therapy for depression improves mood, memory, and independenceWhy older adults are just as likely to benefit from therapy as other age groupsHow antidepressant treatment in people with mild cognitive impairment can delay dementiaWhat you can do for clients already living with dementia and depressionWhy your role as a therapist matters more than ever—and how to make a differenceVisit the show notes 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

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 work with adults in general, most graduate and continuing education programs focus on midlife or younger adulthood, often excluding older adulthood entirely. The result is a significant gap in care. Therapy that resonates with younger adults can fall flat or even feel dismissive for older clients. When therapists don't adapt their approach, clients may feel unseen, misunderstood, or disengaged—not because they’re resistant, but because the therapy model doesn’t reflect their stage of life. This episode will help you recognize what shifts with age, why it matters in clinical practice, and how to modify your work for more effective and compassionate outcomes. What You’ll Learn Why traditional therapy methods may not land with older adultsHow perceived time left in life shifts therapeutic goals and prioritiesWhat therapists often misunderstand about aging and mental healthHow to center meaning, wisdom, and resilience in your sessionsFive clinical adaptations you can start using right away Want to learn more? Enroll in my upcoming 90min CE course on "Becoming an Aging-Informed Therapist" - Live July 22, 2025  See the show notes 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

Chronic pain increases the risk for depression and suicide.   The connection between chronic pain and depression is stronger—and more dangerous—than most professionals realize. In this powerful episode, Dr. Regina Koepp sits down with pain psychology expert, Dr. Jennifer Steiner, to uncover the complex and bidirectional relationship between chronic pain, depression, and suicide risk.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why people living with chronic pain are twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviorsThe true drivers of suicide risk in chronic pain—not just pain intensity, but emotional, relational, and financial strainHow the brain’s stress response amplifies both physical pain and emotional sufferingWhat research says about which comes first—pain or depression—and why it’s not always clear-cutHow chronic pain affects sleep, cognition, and identity, creating a vicious cycle of distressThe essential role of therapists trained in chronic pain in breaking this cycleWhat to look for in a therapist who can truly support someone living with chronic pain  Whether you’re a therapist, psychologist, social worker, or aging life care expert—this episode will transform the way you think about pain. Because treating chronic pain isn’t just about reducing discomfort… it’s about restoring dignity, function, and hope. Click here to see show notes  AttentionTherapists:  Download your free guide on the Depression-Pain Cycle Become a sought after specialist with our Pain Psychology Certificate Course (14.5 CE Credits), where's you'll learn ACT and CBT for Chronic Pain, as well as strategies to address bias in pain care.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

Chronic pain isn’t just physical—it's personal, emotional, and deeply misunderstood. And when it comes to older adults, the pain often hides in plain sight. In this episode, I sit down with pain psychology expert, Dr. Jennifer Steiner, to explore the invisible impact of chronic pain and what every therapist must understand to truly help older adults living with it. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective—and four critical psychological themes—that can transform the way you support older adults in your practice. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The real size of the chronic pain epidemic—and why it’s often underestimated in older adults Common pain conditions affecting people 65+ Dr. Steiner’s personal journey from growing up with chronic pain to becoming a national leader in pain psychology How chronic pain influences mental health, identity, relationships, and work The 4 psychological themes every therapist must recognize when treating chronic pain: The Body as an ObstaclePain is Invisible—and RealDisrupted Sense of SelfUnpredictability of the Condition AttentionTherapists: Download your free guide on the Depression-Pain Cycle Become a sought after specialist with our Pain Psychology Certificate Course (14.5 CE Credits), where's you'll learn ACT and CBT for Chronic Pain, as well as strategies to address bias in pain care. Click here to go to 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

What do you do when your aging parent is being scammed—and keeps sending money even after you’ve begged them to stop? It’s heartbreaking. It’s infuriating. And it can leave you feeling powerless. If this is happening in your family, you’re not alone—and there is hope. In this episode, I unpack what’s really going on when an older adult falls victim to financial exploitation, why they often can’t stop—even when they know it’s a scam—and how to intervene without shaming or severing the relationship. You'll learn:  ✅ Why people get trapped in scams—even when the truth is obvious  ✅ What “dignity of risk” and “duty of care” mean for families  ✅ How to lead with compassion instead of control  ✅ What to do when cognitive decline might be involved  ✅ Concrete steps to prevent revictimization  ✅ Where to turn for professional support Whether you're a family member or a professional working with older adults, this episode is packed with tools to help you respond with clarity, compassion, and courage. Professionals: Click here to get your free "Support for Older Adults After Financial Scams" Guide Resources Mentioned: Older Adult Nest Egg: Assess financial vulnerability and get expert tools for reducing riskAARP Fraud Watch Network: Up-to-date scam alerts and prevention tipsGive an Hour: Mental health support including for victims of exploitationCenter for Mental Health & Aging: Find a therapist specializing in older adultsAdult Protective Services: State-specific reporting and support Click here to see 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

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 depressionHow depression presents differently in older adults—beyond just sadnessKey risk factors: chronic illness, loss, isolation, and moreWhy the myth that "older adults can’t change" is flat-out wrongPractical, research-informed steps you can take to help someone get careWhy healing and transformation are possible—at every ageHere’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.  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. 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

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 & AgingThe barriers professionals face when working with older adults—and how we can solve themHow our signature GeroChampions program evolved into a national training movementThe step-by-step vision I mapped out (with a thermometer!) to earn CEU accreditationHow we’ve trained thousands of professionals and launched over 30 coursesWhy there's no expiration date on healing, transformation, and loveWhat post-traumatic growth has to teach us about aging wellAnd why older adults deserve more than just care—they deserve dignity and mental health equityGO TO SHOW NOTES HERE Resources Mentioned: Free Download: Clinician's Guide to Mental Health & AgingMental Health & Aging Certificate ProgramCulturally Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Care with Older Adults Certificate ProgramEnd of Life Ethics & Psychotherapy CourseSee all CEU Courses National Provider Directory  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. 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

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 effectsThe difference between loneliness and isolation (and why this matters for dementia care)Startling statistics: how loneliness increases risk for dementia, heart disease, stroke, and depressionWhy quality of social ties matters more than quantityThe role of social prescribing: how to refer clients to connection—not just careCreative ideas for connection, including book clubs, walking groups, and even coffee shopsTwo screening tools for loneliness and isolation to use in your practiceA 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 harshlyHow ageism quietly shows up in our reactions to fraudThe top financial scams impacting people 60+ and how scammers manipulate trustThe emotional timeline of recovery: from shock and shame to anger and exhaustion4 major mental health effects of financial exploitation you need to watch forHow to talk with older adults about fraud in ways that heal—not harmWhat trauma-informed support really looks like after financial betrayalWhere to find peer support groups, prevention tools, and trusted therapistsClick 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