Despite the fact that everyone knows they will get older, many stressors come with aging.  The aging individual is affected as well as their family and friends.  As people approach the later portion of their lives they encounter new and sometimes unanticipated obstacles.

Common Issues

  • Sexuality: changes in the body can cause sexual needs to change
  • Cognitive decline: memory and other mental capacities are negatively affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s
  • Identity: the search for and development of identity continues in old age
  • Mortality: realizing that death is an inevitability
  • Exercise: finding safe activities that maintain physical health
  • Depression: loss of close friends
  • Financial Insecurity: reliance on family members for financial support
  • Substance Abuse: alcohol or other drugs used for coping
  • Chronic Disease: poor nutrition and physical decline lead to susceptibility to various diseases

Treatment

A key goal in therapy is helping the client maintain self-esteem and a positive self-concept.  Because they begin to rely on others for basic needs, elderly people can lose their sense of self-efficacy.  Therapy attempts to find ways to deal with and restore feelings of independence and competency.  Grief counseling can also be beneficial when close friends are aging and nearing death.

We Can Help

Open Path’s therapists offer beneficial services that encourage insight, self-reflection, and healthy coping mechanisms. Our therapists furnish a supportive environment, providing healthy outlooks and understanding.

Interested in seeing one of our therapists for an affordable rate? Start your search here.

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