The idea that senior citizens can benefit from therapy is a new one, and psychotherapy for seniors is an underutilized resource that can make a big difference in the years to come. You may wonder, why would seniors need therapy now? The answer is, compared to past generations, we are living much longer lives. For example, as recent as the 1960s, the average life expectancy for a woman was 73 and 66 for a man. But today, men live on average for 73.4 years and women are expected to reach 80.1 years.
Along with a longer life span comes more occurrences of change and transition. Sometimes these changes are painful. Loss of loved ones, retiring from the workforce, and new physical health issues are changes we all go through. However, the longer you live, the more opportunity you have to create fulfillment, self-discovery, and happiness. This is why psychotherapy is highly beneficial for seniors. You can make the best of your many years to come.
Change, divorce, and new relationships
We now live in a society where divorce rates are rapidly rising among older couples. Between the years of 1990 and 2010, divorce rates for couples 50 years and older have doubled. When couples reach age 65, the divorce rate triples.
Divorce at any age can bring devastating emotional and financial consequences. But for couples with high rates of conflict or negativity, staying together is often more painful than divorce.
If you’re divorced, you may now be faced with finding someone new or adjusting to life on your own. When you meet someone new, they often come with a whole new family. This can be wonderful, or it can also be a distressing adjustment.
Creating healthy relationships with new people can be difficult and sometimes outside support is needed. You may need to develop coping skills and strategies for establishing healthy boundaries.
Anxiety and depression
Getting older does not have to come with sadness and worry. If you have never learned coping skills and strategies to take control of your mental state, it is not too late to do this now.
When you were young, you may have been busy raising your family and working towards career goals. Now that you are retired or nearing retirement, you can focus more on what you need to be happy. A healthy state of mind is one of the most important components of a good life, and this is something you can work towards and soon experience noticeable results in how you feel.
In my practice, I work with seniors and retirees who are experiencing significant life changes and/or relationships or mental health difficulties. I take a supportive, holistic, and customized approach to each person I work with. I am honored to work with you and guide you on your healing journey.
Psychotherapy for seniors in Overland Park and Kansas City
Caryn Hess, LPC, is a therapist in Overland Park for the Greater Kansas City area. To book an appointment or find out more, please call or fill out the contact form and click send.