Prioritizing Mental Health Across the Lifespan
Through education, personal stories, and expert support, we’re reshaping how we care for the emotional well-being of older adults
Mental health is just as important in later life as it is at any other age—yet it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. We’re working to change that. By combining compassionate storytelling, evidence-based guidance, and training for caregivers and professionals, we’re helping older adults get the respect, support, and connection they deserve.
Whether you’re aging yourself, caring for a loved one, or working in the field, this space offers resources, insight, and hope.
In-Depth Guides
Start Reading About Older Adults!
Older Adult Mental Health Resources
As people age, changes in health, cognition, or daily routines can affect mental well-being. Supportive guidance and care can help older adults feel understood, stay engaged, and maintain a sense of purpose.
For families and caregivers, access to information and strategies can strengthen connections, provide support, and help older adults thrive in everyday life.
Support Organizations
These organizations offer resources and information on older adult mental health that you may find helpful.
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association provides education, resources, and support for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The organization addresses cognitive health, mental health, and emotional well-being across the course of these conditions, with information designed to support understanding, planning, and quality of life.
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry focuses on improving mental health care for older adults. AAGP offers educational resources and clinical guidance on conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes, and psychosis spectrum disorders in later life.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
DBSA provides peer support, education, and tools for individuals living with depression and bipolar disorder, including older adults. The organization emphasizes lived experience and connection to help people manage mood disorders across the lifespan.
National Council on Aging
The National Council on Aging works to improve the health and economic security of older adults. NCOA’s resources address mental well-being alongside physical health, social connection, and aging with independence and dignity.
National Institute on Aging
The National Institute on Aging offers research-based information on aging, brain health, and mental well-being. NIA’s public resources help older adults and families understand mental health conditions, cognitive changes, and strategies to support healthy aging.
Caregiver Resources
Family Caregiver Alliance
Family Caregiver Alliance provides education, advocacy, and practical resources for individuals caring for older adults. The organization offers guidance on caregiving challenges, emotional well-being, and navigating complex care needs across aging and chronic conditions.
National Alliance for Caregiving
The National Alliance for Caregiving advances research, policy, and awareness to support family caregivers nationwide. Its work highlights the experiences and needs of caregivers and promotes solutions that strengthen caregiver health, well-being, and sustainability.
Featured Resources
From toolkits to podcasts and more, here are a few of the great online resources available to learn more about older adult mental health.
Resources for Families & Caregivers – American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
Access evidence-based education on mental health conditions, treatment options, and care strategies for older adults, tailored for patients, families, and caregivers.
Information on Depression and Older Adults – National Institute on Aging
Learn how depression can present in later life, discover risk factors, and understand strategies for recognition and support.
Staying Sharp – AARP
Explore interactive activities, assessments, and lifestyle guidance to support cognitive health and mental resilience as you age.
Family Caregiver Toolbox – Caregiver Action Network
Discover practical checklists, planning guides, and other resources to help caregivers support the mental and emotional well-being of senior adults.
Dementia Care Program Finder – Best Programs for Caregiving
Search a free directory of top-rated dementia caregiver support programs, with options available in-person, online, or by phone.
Dementia Caregiving Videos – Dementia Care Central
Watch a free collection of short, approachable videos covering practical caregiving skills, from communicating with a person with dementia to assisting with daily tasks.
Mental Health + Aging With Dr. Regina Koepp Podcast
Listen to expert discussions and strategies addressing emotional well-being, anxiety, grief, and resilience in older adults.
Suggested Reading
From evidence-based perspectives to lived-experience memoirs, this selection of books is a great starting point if you want to expand your understanding of older adult mental health.
The Aging Mind: An Owner’s Manual
by Patrick Rabbitt
Drawing on decades of research in cognitive gerontology, this book explores how cognitive and psychological processes change with age. Rabbitt examines memory, attention, perception, and emotional functioning, separating common myths about aging, with a focus on understanding how mental processes evolve over time and how these changes shape daily life and well-being in older adulthood.
The Aging Well Workbook for Anxiety and Depression
by Julie Erickson, PhD, and Neil A. Rector, PhD
Designed specifically for older adults, this workbook offers exercises to manage anxiety and depressive symptoms through evidence-based cognitive-behavioral techniques. Step-by-step activities encourage readers to build coping skills, increase engagement, and strengthen emotional resilience.
Bipolar Disorder in Older Age Patients
Edited by Susan W. Lehmann, MD, and Brent P. Forester, MD
Written for health professionals, this book provides a comprehensive overview of bipolar disorder and late-life psychosis, covering diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical management. The book offers evidence-based guidance for understanding and supporting older adults living with serious mental health conditions.
Still Alice
by Lisa Genova, PhD
Through the story of Alice, a Harvard professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, Genova explores what it feels like to experience cognitive decline. This fiction novel written by an acclaimed neuroscientist brings readers inside the lived experience of memory loss, highlighting the emotional impact on both the individual and their family.
Somebody I Used To Know
by Wendy Mitchell
Mitchell shares her experience living with early-onset Alzheimer’s, offering a firsthand look at how cognitive decline affects daily life, identity, and relationships. Her memoir highlights resilience and adaptation, giving readers an intimate perspective on the lived experience of older adults facing dementia.
The Age‑Proof Brain: New Strategies To Improve Memory, Protect Immunity, and Fight Off Dementia
by Marc Milstein, PhD
This evidence-based guide offers practical strategies for maintaining brain health and cognitive function as we age. Milstein explains the science behind memory, immunity, and dementia risk, and provides actionable tips on nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and mental stimulation.
The Complete Family Guide to Dementia: Everything You Need to Know To Help Your Parent and Yourself
by Thomas F. Harrison and Brent P. Forester, MD
Written by a journalist and a leading geriatric psychiatrist, this practical guide helps adult children navigate the medical, emotional, and financial demands of caring for a parent with dementia. The authors offer clear strategies for caregivers from communicating effectively, managing difficult behaviors, and keeping a loved one safe, to maintaining their own health and well-being amid these challenging experiences.
The 36‑Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People With Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss
by Nancy L. Mace, and Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH
A go-to guide for families caring for a loved one with dementia, this book walks readers through everyday challenges, from managing memory loss to navigating medical care and legal concerns. Clear guidance and practical tips help caregivers provide compassionate, effective support while maintaining their own well-being.
The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself
by Linda Abbit
Abbit offers a roadmap for caregivers to navigate the demands of supporting an aging loved one without sacrificing their own health and identity. Through mindfulness exercises, communication strategies, and reflective practices, readers learn to maintain balance, manage stress, and cultivate resilience.
How To Say It to Seniors: Closing the Communication Gap With Our Elders
by Paul W. Swingle, PhD
Swingle examines the psychological and emotional factors that shape communication with older adults. This book provides strategies to improve understanding, reduce frustration, and foster connection, helping families and caregivers navigate everyday interactions with patience and respect.
Watch Now and Learn!
Webinars and Courses About Older Adult Mental Health
Brent P. Forester, MD, MSc, breaks down what we should know about dementia and other cognitive disorders, shares tips for finding effective treatment, and answers audience questions about supporting someone living with these conditions. Watch here now or learn more about this training.
In Her Own Words
Lisa was mentally healthy for most of her life. But suddenly at age 57, she lost all hope and joy in her life. Let Lisa tell you more about her journey toward wellness.
