COUNSELING
OLDER ADULTS
Dr. Reshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
Introduction to Older Adults
Individuals aged 65 and older are 16.2% of
the population
The population of older individuals in the
United States is growing. It is estimated to
reach 20% by 2030, yet mental health services
specific to this population are lacking.
Characteristics and Strengths
Physical Health:
 Older adults often have physical impairment.
 About 30% of adults between the ages of 65 and 75 have
hearing impairment.
 Up to 25% of older adults have insomnia or difficulty falling
asleep.
 Ethnic minority older Americans tend to have more chronic,
debilitating diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
 The majority of older adults, however, are quite healthy and
able to live independent lives requiring minimum assistance.
Characteristics and Strengths
Sexuality in Later Years:
 Sexual activity and activity continue well into the 80s and
90s for many individuals.
 Among people 70 and older, 80% of men and 39% of
women indicated that a satisfying sexual relationship is an
important part of the quality of life.
 Changes do occur in sexual functioning in both older men
and women.
 The majority of older adults have good emotional stability
and high levels of affective well-being.
SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OF OLDER ADULTS
Prejudice and Discrimination:
Older individuals are subject to negative
stereotypes and discrimination.
Ageism, very common in our society, is defined as
negative attitudes toward the process of aging or
toward older individuals.
Women who are older are even more likely to be
viewed negatively by society as a whole and
many internalize ageist norms.
SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OF OLDER ADULTS
Stereotypes about older adults include



thought to be rigid and inadaptable in their
thought processes
lacking in health, intelligence, and alertness
having either no sexual interest or, if they
were sexually active, as engaging in activity
inappropriate for their age.
SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OF OLDER ADULTS
Mental Deterioration:


Although they may show decrements on
cognitive tests, their performance is much
better in real-life situations that incorporate
their skills and experiences.
There are certain issues affecting older adults
such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease and
others.
SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OF OLDER ADULTS
Elder Abuse and Neglect:
Older adults suffer from elder abuse and
neglect as well as from self-neglect
Depression is more strongly associated with
feelings of “being old” than with actual age
or health status.
SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OF OLDER ADULTS
Substance Abuse:
Alcohol abuse can begin after a loss.
Increase in substance abuse and the
nonmedical use of prescription medication
among older adults.
The misuse of drugs can produce conditions
resembling organic or mental health
conditions.
SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OF OLDER ADULTS
Social Isolation, Depression, and Suicide:
White males aged 85 and over have the highest
suicide rate of any group.
 Numbers of older adults suffering from
substance abuse have increased; many cases
go undetected and untreated.