Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp

What do you do when your aging parent is being scammed—and keeps sending money even after you’ve begged them to stop? It’s heartbreaking. It’s infuriating. And it can leave you feeling powerless. If this is happening in your family, you’re not alone—and there is hope. In this episode, I unpack what’s really going on when an older adult falls victim to financial exploitation, why they often can’t stop—even when they know it’s a scam—and how to intervene without shaming or severing the relation...

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a national movement for mental health and aging? In this inspiring behind-the-scenes episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the heart, hustle, and healing that built the Center for Mental Health & Aging. You’ll hear where it all started—from working late nights with two small children at home to battling systemic bias in healthcare settings. I’ll walk you through the moments I nearly gave up, the surprising victories, and the “why” that...

Have you ever wondered what really happens after someone is scammed out of $25,000? Not only the steps to take after you've been scammed, but the psychological toll? A couple weeks ago, I received an email from a listener asking for help—resources for older adults who’ve been financially exploited. That email sparked this episode, and I’m so glad it did. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of what it’s really like for older adults after financial exploitation. I’ll share two...

Up to 90% of older adults have experienced trauma, yet their needs are often overlooked. Learn the essentials of trauma-informed care and how to foster healing and resilience. Trauma-informed care is essential for supporting older adults across healthcare, mental health, and social service settings. In this episode, we explore: ✅ The difference between trauma treatment and Trauma Informed Care ✅ The three E’s of trauma: Events, Experience, and Effects ✅ The impact of trauma across the l...

What if joy isn’t something we find, but something we create—especially in life’s hardest moments? In this episode of The Psychology of Aging Podcast, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Steven Petrow returns to share insights from his newest book, The Joy You Make. After experiencing profound loss—losing both parents, the end of a marriage, and supporting his sister through terminal cancer—Steven embarked on a journey to understand how joy coexists with grief, resil...

If you’re committed to meeting the mental health needs of older adults, this episode is for you. In 2024, we saw some incredible advancements in mental health research for older adults—insights that can shape how you practice and care for this underserved population. As a geropsychologist, I’m passionate about equipping you with the tools you need to make a difference. Let’s dive into 5 discoveries in mental health and aging from 2024 that you absolutely need to know. 1. 14 Modifiable Risk...

There was a misleading headline from The New York Times recently that claimed ADHD diagnoses are surging among "older Americans." In this episode, I set the record straight by clarifying who qualifies as an "older adult" (65+), highlighting why mental health needs for older adults are so often overlooked, and explaining how systemic issues like ageism, stigma, and misdiagnosis perpetuate these gaps. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why ADHD diagnoses are underreported among adults 65+ despi...

Have you ever felt rejuvenated after a day spent outdoors, perhaps gardening or simply enjoying a walk in the woods? Recently, nature has been my much needed therapy, and it’s transformed my approach to health and aging. In today’s episode, I’ll share how my own journey into the world of gardening and nature began at a time when I needed it most—right as I turned 48 and was worn out from constant traveling and presenting. This personal experience opened my eyes to the potent bene...