Adults 60+

The Silent Generation (those born 1928-1945) are often recognised for their resilience and strong work ethic, with many growing up during and in the aftermath of historical events including World War II. With their large population size, the Baby Boomers (1946-1964) are commonly acknowledged for their influential role in shaping modern culture, politics and the economy. In truth, there is great diversity within these generations. Each individual is shaped by the influence of their community, culture, gender and other aspects of our identity, as well as their unique personality and life experiences. Like all adults, people over the age of 60 commonly experience mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Common challenges at this stage of life include adjusting to significant life transitions (like retirement) and changes in our health, which can have profound effects on our emotions and sense of identity.

Research tells us that people over 60 years are less likely to seek out and access mental health services, including therapy. Many may feel stigma connected to mental health difficulties, are unsure about what to expect from therapy, or may have had unhelpful or even traumatic experiences with mental health services in the past. However, research also tells us that people over 60 are just as likely to experience benefits and positive outcomes from therapy. At Valued Lives Psychology, adults of every age are treated with kindness, appreciation of their strengths and abilities, and with respect for their autonomy. The rich and varied experiences gained over decades of life will be a focus during therapy, drawing from these reflections a person's strongly-held values and wisdom. Connecting with a person's strengths and resilience form the foundation of identifying effective ways of navigating new life challenges, and in finding purpose and meaning in the later stages of life.

In the 1930s, Carl Jung wrote about the years over 60 as "the afternoon of life", a time when a person's sense of identity and purpose can be enriched by self-reflection and existential or spiritual growth. During this life stage, Jung encourages us to reflect on our life as a whole, to find a sense of fulfillment, acceptance, and meaning in our experiences. This allows us to face the challenges of getting older, including an awareness of our own mortality, with a clearer sense of who we are and the values that guide us. Erik Erikson, another influential psychoanalyst, noted that a sense of peace and connection in later life often comes from having built meaningful and enduring relationships. An important focus during therapy is in nurturing important connections with the people we love, or in building or rebuilding relationships with those we wish to be closer to. 

As we get older, we face increased risk of developing physical health difficulties, as well as changes in our mobility, vision and hearing. Coming to terms with health problems, as well as their sometimes painful or debilitating symptoms, can be a significant challenge both practically and emotionally. Health problems can impact our independence, freedom and quality of life, as well as our relationships. During therapy with a person impacted by physical health difficulties, we will explore helpful practical strategies for accessing support, pacing daily activities, and managing physical and emotional pain. I will encourage my client to reflect on their lifelong passions and interests, finding ways of continuing to enjoy activities and connections while working around any limitations that are outside of our control.

One of the biggest emotional and existential challenges of getting older is the increased likelihood that we will experience bereavement. As our partners, siblings and long-term friends age with us, we may experience the loss of someone who has been very close to us for many years. The grief that we experience can be devastating and immensely painful, and can be complicated by challenges in the relationship we had with that person while they were alive. Therapy after a loss will have a strong focus on supporting the bereaved person to express their emotions and reflect on their relationship at their own pace, promoting understanding of the grieving process and - if and when the person is ready - to regain a sense of purpose and meaning in life after the loss.