Aging
Psychologists who work with older adults — known as geropsychologists — assess mental functioning, depression and other problems and provide psychotherapy. They also help design policies and services to enhance the quality of life of older people and their caregivers.
Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology
What You Can Do
- Protect your brain as you age
Research suggests that life-long learning, exercise and other strategies can help.
- Aging and Depression
The changes of aging can sometimes lead to depression, but there are effective ways to prevent and treat depression later in life.
- Preparing for retirement: More than money in the bank
Financial security is just one part of the equation when planning for a happy and productive retirement.
- Aging: When should I be concerned about a senior’s forgetfulness?
Adults dealing with aging parents face many challenges. Find answers to your frequently asked questions.
- Resources & Publications
The APA Office on Aging has compiled a comprehensive list of brochures, guides, newsletters, fact sheets, policy statements, practice guidelines, reports, journals, books, videos and more.
Getting Help
News
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New insight into aging brains
January 19, 2012, Wall Street Journal
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Why do we get happier with age?
January 8, 2012, Psych Central
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Brain function may decline starting around 45
January 6, 2012, BBC News
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More gay-friendly senior housing needed
December 30, 2011, USA TODAY
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New clues to memory loss
December 29, 2011, WebMD
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The silver lining to adversity
December 29, 2011, Medical News Today
Monitor on Psychology Articles
- Protecting your aging brain
October 2011
- The mind at midlife
April 2011
- What works to protect cognition
November 2010
- Older adults still crave sex, intimacy
October 2010
- New help for stroke survivors
March 2010
Books
- Aging and Cognition
May 2009
- Revitalizing Retirement
February 2009
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Older Adults
March 2006
APA Offices and Programs
- Office on Aging
The Office on Aging is a coordination point for APA activities pertaining to aging and geropsychology (the field within psychology devoted to older adult issues). The Office on Aging also supports the work of the APA Committee on Aging.
- Integrated Health Care for an Aging Population Project
A Presidential Task Force addressed the challenge of how health care can best be planned and delivered for older adults.
