Aging
Psychologists who work with older adults — known as geropsychologists — assess mental functioning, depression and other problems and provide psychotherapy. They also help design policies and services to enhance the quality of life of older people and their caregivers.
Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology
What You Can Do
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Protect your brain as you age
Research suggests that life-long learning, exercise and other strategies can help.
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Aging and depression
The changes of aging can sometimes lead to depression, but there are effective ways to prevent and treat depression later in life.
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Preparing for retirement: More than money in the bank
Financial security is just one part of the equation when planning for a happy and productive retirement.
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Aging: When should I be concerned about a senior’s forgetfulness?
Adults dealing with aging parents face many challenges. Find answers to your frequently asked questions.
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Resources & Publications
The APA Office on Aging has compiled a comprehensive list of brochures, guides, newsletters, fact sheets, policy statements, practice guidelines, reports, journals, books, videos and more.
Getting Help
News
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A good sex life can help older couples cope with illness and other difficulties
March 3, 2014, The Washington Post
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What makes older people happy?
February 11, 2014, The New York Times
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Happiness may slow aging, improve health
January 21, 2014, Fox News
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Too much sitting raises early death risk for women
January 19, 2014, Huffington Post
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Cognitive training aids in long-term function in older people
January 13, 2014, The Washington Post
Monitor on Psychology Articles
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Retiring minds want to know
January 1, 2014
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What signals elder abuse and how can it be prevented?
July 1, 2013
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Later-life sex
December 1, 2012
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Preparing for the ‘silver tsunami'
October 1, 2012
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The real secrets to a longer life
December 1, 2011
Books
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Treating Dementia in Context
March 2011
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Aging and Cognition
May 2009
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Revitalizing Retirement
February 2009
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Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Older Adults
March 2006
APA Offices and Programs
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Office on Aging
The Office on Aging is a coordination point for APA activities pertaining to aging and geropsychology (the field within psychology devoted to older adult issues). The Office on Aging also supports the work of the APA Committee on Aging.
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Integrated Health Care for an Aging Population Project
A Presidential Task Force addressed the challenge of how health care can best be planned and delivered for older adults.
