AgeWellPsycholgy 

Blakely J. Werner, PsyD

Recently retired, I provided psychological services for older adults, their families, and care givers primarily in skilled and continuing care settings with whom I contracted.  As with younger adults, a variety of mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression can affect us as we age.  This can become more debilitating in a rehab or nursing care setting.  Stressors common in late life often include physical illness and loss of independence and mobility.  This can significantly affect the individual's sense of well being and their participation in their plan of care.

A key to understanding our mental health as we age is to recognize that physical health and mental health are very much interconnected.  For instance, people who have physical aliments  like heart problems and diabetes are more likely to likely to experience mental health  issues.  People with depression or anxiety may experience physical problems such as lack of interest, sleep disturbances, or impaired memory and concentration.   Many people mistake the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems for the aging process itself.  Unfortunately, many people think that confused thinking,, irritability,depressed mood , and loss of energy are just signs that someone is getting older rather than signs that someone needs help.  The truth is that normal aging involves changes, but most changes are gradual.  The aging process does not by itself cause sudden personality changes, loss of intellect, or confusion .

Aging and Mental Health 

About Myself 

I have over 40 years experience in the field of psychology, initially working with children as a school psychologist and later with adults in industrial/organizational settings, both in the US and overseas.  I have lived and worked abroad for over 13 years.  I am a licensed psychologist in Arizona (005545),  Washington (60078973) and California (23298) with a clinical specialty in geropsychology.  Gerospychology is a field in psychology devoted to the study of aging and the provision of psychological services to older adults.  You mgiht say I am aging in place career-wise!  Older adults often experience many challenges and adjustments.  Good mental health enables a person to face these challenges and grow from them. I advocate healthy aging.  In addition to my doctorate in clinical psychology, from California Southern University, I have a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Washington with additional education and training in geriatric mental health