–George E. Vaillant
Although active seniors bring many resources, including life experience and perspective, to the challenges, the years after 60 bring plenty to deal with. Therapy can help address conflicts that arise with partners and adult children, issues of loss, medical concerns and compliance, ageism, loneliness, finding a new partner, shame, and guilt over past actions, and coming to terms with one’s own mortality.
Active seniors, often called “the young old,” have needs that are different from others in psychotherapy. To be most effective with this group, I have learned that helping with problems is not enough. Therapy also must respect and advance healthy, ongoing social engagement, creating purpose and meaning, maintaining a hopeful outlook, and self-actualization—things that make later life truly worth living (see Blog Post on Therapy with Seniors).
Drawing on various insights and methods from psychology, psychotherapy, philosophy, and other sources, my approach embodies the vitality, openness, flexibility, and creativity that are among the aims of therapy with active seniors.