May is Mental Health Awareness Month & Older Americans Month

An invitation to reflect on something that matters at every stage of life: your emotional well-being.

For many older adults, mental health is often overlooked or minimized. You may have grown up in a time when struggles were kept private, or when asking for help simply wasn’t the norm. But your mental health is just as important as your physical health — and it deserves care, attention, and compassion.

At Roseville Elder Services, I see every day how powerful it can be when older adults give themselves permission to invest in their emotional well-being — not just in times of crisis, but as an ongoing part of living a meaningful life.

Why Mental Health Matters More Than Ever as We Age

Later life can bring both meaningful opportunities and real challenges:

• Adjusting to retirement or changes in daily structure

• Navigating health concerns or chronic conditions

• Coping with loss — of loved ones, independence, or familiar routines

• Changes in identity, purpose, or social connection

These experiences can impact mood, energy, and overall outlook. Feeling anxious, low, or disconnected at times is common — but it’s not something you have to simply accept as “part of aging.”

Signs Your Mental Health May Need Attention

Sometimes mental health concerns show up in subtle ways. You might notice:

• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Feeling more irritable, worried, or overwhelmed

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Withdrawing from others

• Feeling stuck, unmotivated, or without purpose

These are signals — not personal failures — and they deserve care and curiosity.

Simple Ways to Support Your Mental Health

Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference:

• Stay connected — even brief conversations can lift mood and reduce isolation

• Create structure in your day — routines bring a sense of stability

• Move your body in ways that feel good — walking, stretching, or gentle exercise

• Spend time outside — fresh air and sunlight can improve mood

• Engage your mind — reading, puzzles, learning something new

• Talk about how you’re feeling — with a trusted friend, family member, or professional

A Note for Caregivers

If you are caring for a loved one, your mental health matters too.

Caregiving can be deeply meaningful — and also exhausting, overwhelming, and isolating at times. You may be used to putting your own needs last, but your well-being is essential.

Taking time to rest, ask for help, and process your own emotions is not selfish — it’s necessary.

You Are Not Alone

Mental health challenges are common, especially during times of change — but support is available, and things can feel better with the right help.

Therapy can offer a space to talk openly, gain tools to manage stress or anxiety, and reconnect with a sense of purpose and balance.

If you’ve been thinking about reaching out, this month can be a gentle place to start.

I’ve seen firsthand that meaningful change is possible at any age. One client came to me feeling disconnected — from himself, from his wife, and from the activities that once brought him joy. Over time, through small, intentional shifts, he began to open up, communicate more honestly, and re-engage with a long-forgotten passion. What followed wasn’t a complete life overhaul, but something more powerful — he felt closer to his wife, more present in his days, and more like himself again.

Growth doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s simply about feeling more connected, more engaged, and more at peace in your own life.

Friendship Might Be The Best Medicine

The “Friend Effect” you want to know about.

What if one of the most powerful ways to protect your health as you age isn’t found in a prescription bottle—but in friendship? Aging often brings wisdom, perspective, and meaningful life experience—but it can also bring emotional challenges that many people don’t talk about openly.

According to a 2023 survey by the California Department of Aging of more than 17,000 older Californians, many adults reported struggling with emotional well-being. In that survey, 40% said loneliness or isolation was a problem, 43% reported feeling depressed, and nearly half were coping with grief or loss.

These experiences are more common than many people realize. Changes in health, retirement, the loss of loved ones, or shifting family roles can all affect emotional well-being. For some people, these feelings come and go. For others, they begin to weigh more heavily over time.

One of the most powerful protectors against these challenges is something both simple and deeply human: friendship.

Research continues to show that meaningful social connection plays a vital role in our mental and physical health as we age. According to “The Friend Effect,” a recent article in Psychology Today, friendships provide remarkable benefits, including:

• Slowing cellular aging by reducing inflammation

• Lowering cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone)

• Reducing the risk of loneliness, depression, and anxiety throughout the lifespan

• Boosting self-esteem

• Sharpening social intelligence through regular interaction

• Enhancing memory and helping preserve DNA at a cellular level

• Lowering heart rate and blood pressure, protecting against cardiovascular disease and stroke

With so many powerful benefits, friendship can seem like one of the most important ingredients for healthy aging. Yet many people notice that building and maintaining friendships becomes more difficult as the years go on.

Life changes. People move away, relationships shift, and sometimes friends pass away. Health challenges or transportation barriers can make it harder to stay connected. The built-in social circles that once existed through work, parenting, or community activities may no longer be there. As a result, many people find they need to be more intentional about creating opportunities for connection than they did earlier in life.

The good news is that meaningful friendships can still be built at any stage of life. Here are some practical and realistic ways to cultivate new connections later in life.

1.Start with shared activities

Look for:

• Walking groups

• Exercise or yoga classes

• Book clubs

• Volunteer opportunities

• Art or hobby classes

• Faith or spiritual communities

• Community education programs

Consistent interaction allows conversations to grow naturally over time.

2. Say yes more often

Many friendships begin with small invitations.

If someone suggests:

• Coffee after a class

• Walking together

• Attending a community event

Try saying yes—even if it feels slightly outside your routine. Repeated small interactions often become friendships.

3. Reconnect with old relationships

Sometimes the easiest friendships to build are old ones that simply faded due to life circumstances.

Consider reaching out to:

• Former coworkers

• Old neighbors

• Parents from your children’s school years

• Friends you lost touch with after moving

A simple message like “I was thinking about you the other day and wondered how you’ve been” can reopen doors.

4. Address emotional barriers

Sometimes the hardest part of making friends later in life is not opportunity—it’s vulnerability. After loss, caregiving stress, or major life transitions, people may feel hesitant to open up again.

Talking with a counselor can help people:

• Rebuild confidence in relationships

• Process grief or loneliness

• Develop strategies for connection

Many people find that when emotional barriers soften, friendships become easier to form.

If making or maintaining friendships feels harder than it used to, you’re not alone. Life transitions, loss, and past experiences can sometimes create emotional barriers that make connection feel more difficult. Therapy can provide a supportive space to explore those challenges, build confidence, and develop meaningful relationships.

If you’re ready for more connection and support, I invite you to reach out to learn more about working together.

Supporting Independence

February-National Senior Independence Month

As we celebrate National Senior Independence Month this February, I want to emphasize the importance of planning for support in maintaining independence. Independence does not always mean doing everything alone; for many older adults, the right support can help them remain safely at home, maintain routines, and preserve a sense of purpose.

When discussing concerns with older adults and caregivers, two fears come up repeatedly: the fear of being a burden and the fear of financial insecurity. These concerns reflect a desire to stay independent throughout the aging process. Planning for support proactively helps older adults remain in charge of their care, rather than having decisions made during a crisis. Support such as home care can preserve routines, reduce stress on family, and help independence last longer.

Exploring care options, community resources, and financial professionals who specialize in aging allows for informed, confident decisions instead of fear-based ones. Having clear financial information enables older adults to remain in the driver's seat, making decisions that support their independence and autonomy.

Remember, planning ahead is not a loss of independence—it's one of the strongest ways to protect it.

Download these guides to get started.

A Note for Caregivers

Supporting independence for someone you love often means stepping back and stepping in—sometimes at the same time. Even when the right care and financial resources are in place, caregivers are still carrying emotional weight, responsibility, and worry that doesn’t always have an outlet.

If you’re finding yourself:

• Constantly thinking several steps ahead

• Feeling responsible for “getting it right”

• Struggling to rest even when help is available

• Holding guilt, stress, or uncertainty on your own

Therapy can offer a place to sort through these experiences—without judgment and without adding another task to your list. It’s not about fixing anything; it’s about supporting you as you navigate complex decisions and an ongoing caregiving role.

If you’d like a space to talk through your caregiving load, support is available.

Reinventing the Holiday Spirit

Could Saying No, Setting Boundaries, and Getting Creative Be the New Holiday Hustle?

For so long, the holidays have been tied to doing more — more events, more expectations, more pressure to show up with energy we may not actually have. But what if the real holiday “hustle” in this season of life isn’t about squeezing more in… but thoughtfully choosing what to let go of?

What if the new holiday spirit is about:

• Saying no to what drains you

• Setting boundaries that protect your peace

• Getting creative with new traditions that fit who you are now

• Honoring your emotional reality, even if it looks different from years past

Instead of pushing through, we can shift toward intentional connection, quieter joy, and rituals that feel meaningful rather than obligatory.

The truth is: there is courage in stepping back. There is wisdom in choosing what truly matters. And there is healing in giving yourself permission to reshape the holidays in a way that supports your emotional well-being — not your to-do list.

If this season has you craving more ease, clarity, or emotional support, this is a wonderful time to reach out. I offer free consultations to help you explore whether therapy is the right fit, and I have openings for new clients who are ready to feel more grounded and supported.

You deserve a holiday season—and a life—that feels manageable and meaningful. If you’re ready to take that next step, I’m here.

Permission to Slow Down

November has a way of asking us to pause. The shorter days invite us to rest. The holidays can bring both warmth and stress — especially if you’re caring for someone or facing changes in your own health or independence.

This month, as we recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, it’s also a time to honor the millions of families touched by memory loss. Whether you’re supporting a loved one living with dementia or coping with the uncertainty of cognitive changes yourself, know that your emotional health matters, too.

Slowing down isn’t giving up — it’s a way to listen. To your body, your emotions, and your needs. Whether you’re a caregiver running on empty or an older adult navigating new stages of life, you deserve space to breathe and reflect.

Emotional Fatigue in Aging & Caregiving

It’s common to feel:

• Overwhelmed by constant decisions or uncertainty

• Lonely even when surrounded by others

• Guilty for wanting rest or time to yourself

These aren’t signs of weakness — they’re signals from your mind and body that you need support.

Therapy can help you:

• Reconnect with your sense of purpose

• Manage guilt and anxiety

• Develop healthy boundaries with compassion

• Learn tools to restore your energy

Tool to Try: The “Energy Check”

Take a quiet moment today and ask yourself:

1. What drains me most right now?

2. What gives me energy or peace — even in small ways?

3. What one thing can I let go of this week?

This small check-in can help you find clarity and calm-especially during busy caregiving seasons.

Ready for Support?

If you’ve been thinking, “I should probably talk to someone…” — this might be your sign.

At Roseville Elder Services, I offer:

• Individual therapy for older adults and caregivers

• In-home and virtual sessions for your convenience

• Aging consultations and advance care planning

You don’t have to do this alone.

Whether you’re navigating caregiving, memory loss, or the emotional changes that come with aging — together, we can make this next season lighter.

October is National Depression Awareness Month

October 1st-10th is Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Week

This month is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health—especially for older adults. Yet far too many seniors face barriers that prevent them from getting the support they deserve.

At Roseville Elder Services, I am working hard to close these gaps.

Three Major Barriers Older Adults Face in Accessing Mental Health Care

Barrier 1: Shortage of Trained Specialists

• Did you know that only 3–5% of social workers nationwide specialize in geriatrics?

• This means older adults often struggle to find professionals who truly understand the unique emotional challenges of aging, caregiving, and end-of-life transitions.

Closing the Gap:

I am proud to be one of the few licensed clinical social workers specializing in gerontology, bringing expertise, compassion, and tailored strategies to support seniors and their families.

Barrier 2: Stigma Around Mental Health

• Many older adults were raised in a time when mental health struggles weren’t openly discussed. Asking for help can feel uncomfortable or even shameful.

Closing the Gap:

Through workshops, community education, and one-on-one counseling, I normalize conversations about emotional well-being and create safe spaces for seniors to share their experiences without judgment.

Barrier 3: Accessibility Challenges

• Transportation, mobility limitations, and technology barriers often prevent older adults from seeking or maintaining consistent care.

Closing the Gap:

I provide in-home therapy and virtual sessions, meeting seniors and caregivers where they are—literally. This flexibility helps remove one of the biggest obstacles to receiving care.

At Roseville Elder Services, my mission is simple: to make quality mental health care accessible, compassionate, and effective for older adults and caregivers in our communities.

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to answer questions and explore whether therapy may be a good fit.

Together, we can break the barriers and bring hope, healing, and resilience to older adults in California.

Can purpose be your brain’s best ally?

Hello friends,

As we step into September, I’m inspired by exciting new research published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. The study followed more than 13,000 adults for up to 15 years and found something remarkable:

• Adults with a strong sense of purpose were 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment, including dementia.

• They also experienced cognitive decline later than those who reported having no purpose.

Nicholas C. Howard, first author and public health researcher at UC Davis put it simply:

“Purpose in life is free, safe, and accessible. It’s something people can build through relationships, goals, and meaningful activities.”

In other words, purpose doesn’t just enrich our days — it protects our minds.

What if you’re not sure what your purpose is?

Or maybe the purpose that once guided your life has shifted as you’ve gotten older?

If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. And here’s the good news: this is exactly the work I do with clients. Together, we uncover a sense of purpose that fits your unique interests, values, and current physical and mental capacity.

When you have clarity of purpose, you gain more energy, joy, and resilience — and, as this research shows, you’re also giving your brain the best chance to stay strong.

Book a session with me today to start living your purpose.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

You’re Caring for Them-Who’s Caring for You?

Caregiving can be deeply meaningful—but also incredibly demanding. The emotional and physical toll is real, and too often, caregivers put their own health last.

In fact, 30% of family caregivers die before the person they’re caring for. That statistic is heartbreaking—and a powerful call to action.

Many caregivers skip their own medical appointments, stop exercising, lose touch with friends, and ignore their emotional needs. I want you to know burnout and breakdown can be helped. With the right support, it’s possible to navigate this chapter with more peace, clarity, and support.

You Deserve Support, Too

Caregiving can be a gift, but it shouldn't cost you everything.

Through therapy, I help caregivers:

✅ Manage overwhelming stress

✅ Set healthy emotional and physical boundaries

✅ Reconnect with their identity and personal needs

✅ Grieve the losses that come with long-term care

When caregivers are supported, their loved ones benefit too.

Ready for the next step?

Here are two ways to get connected.

ONE: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, lost, or running on empty, therapy can help you reclaim your energy, strengthen your mindset, and move through this chapter with confidence. I invite you to take the first step toward healing and book a therapy session today.

🌿 Let’s help you feel like you again.

TWO: Learn practical, supportive tools to care for yourself and your loved one, create moments of rest, and reconnect with daily joy.

Sign up to receive information on our upcoming workshop "Create Your Caregiver Toolkit".

You deserve peace of mind, renewed energy, and moments of joy. When you take care of yourself, you’re also strengthening the care you provide to the person you love.

Reach out for support — it’s one of the most important steps you can take.

Don’t make this mistake

In my career working in healthcare I have seen many people make this mistake.

Someone is sick and in the hospital or there is an accident. A family member steps up to discuss options and treatment.

Sadly, the family member doesn’t have the authority or permission to speak on behalf of the patient. The patient didn’t complete advance care planning documents.

The family doesn’t know their wishes or preferences.

The biggest mistake I see in working in healthcare is the lack of completed legal documents.

If you haven’t completed the appropriate documentation your loved ones won’t have authority or permission to speak to insurance or make decisions.

This delays care and causes unnecessary stress.

There is one way to avoid this situation all together.

Complete the advance care planning documents before there is a crisis.

What are the advance care planning documents? In California, they are the following:

1. Advance Health Care Directive

2. Power of Attorney for Finance

3. POLST-for seriously ill or advanced fraility

These documents can be found online or attend one of my advance are planning workshops to better understand your choices and sign the documents on the spot!

Spare your loved ones added stress and give yourself peace of mind knowing your wishes have been discussed and understood.

Check out our upcoming workshops here.

Other great resources:

https://theconversationproject.org/

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning

Aging Parents Checklist

Are your parents aging? Do you have questions about how to set them up for success? Have you considered your role in their aging process?

These are common questions many adult children ask themselves as they watch their parents age. Below are some helpful topics to discuss with your aging parents. You might consider printing this checklist and setting up a time to talk through the list with your aging parents.

Aging Parents Checklist:

1. Review legal and financial documents:

   • Power of Attorney for Finance

   • Advance Healthcare Directive

   • Trust or Living Will

   • Birth Certificate

   • Passport

   • Drivers License

   • Social Security Card

   • Investment and retirement

   • Tax information

   2. Prepare a folder or document with important information

   • Online bank account information

   • Passwords

   • Important contacts, phone number and address

   • Military documents

   • Car titles

   • Real estate information

   3. Review medical needs and documents:

   • Physician and specialist’s name(s), address and phone number

   • Medications, prescriptions and dosages and any allergies

   • Medical insurance card and information

   4. Discuss roles and responsibilities:

   • Who is responsible for financial decisions and/or health decisions?

   • Who is responsible for the pet?

   • Discuss caregiving roles, and expectations

   5. Discuss a plan for safety:

   • Life alert button

   • Ramps, grab bars, wheelchair or walker

   • Moving to a facility

   • Hiring caregivers

   6. Review parents wishes and values for their aging process.

Need help? Feel free to schedule an aging consultation for individual recommendations and resources.