The great challenge of aging, becoming old, is how to continue to feel like ones self even as many of the sustaining cues, from within and outside of the self, are challenged, altered and lost.
After the grieving quiets, the people we have lost can surface through us in a laugh, a voice, or a tilt of the head. An aging psychologist reflects on introjects, the unconscious ways we carry those most important to us, and the comfort they can bring.
read moreSometimes we forget that we are old, and that can be dangerous. A look at the adjustment, adaptation, and accommodation that aging asks of us, and at the quiet gift that arrives with it: as the future shortens, the present expands.
read moreAging isn’t negotiable, but how we age is. A reflection on internalized ageism, the trap of anticipatory defeatism, and how flexibility and realistic agency let us move from “I Can’t” to “I Can.”
read moreLoneliness is rising across the life course, and a good conversation — bidirectional, focused, and unhurried — is one of our best protections against it. For older adults especially, real conversation offers both connection and a precious validation of the self.
read moreAs we age, the urge to acquire gives way to the urge to simplify — to disperse, donate, and lighten the load we carry. This stage invites us to let go not only of things, but of thoughts and burdens that no longer serve us.
read moreAs we age, we often catch ourselves waiting for permission to rest, reach out, or enjoy the day. But old age is also the age of agency — the time when we can finally grant ourselves the permission we have been waiting for.
read moreA new mentorship program from the International Psychogeriatric Association will connect seasoned professionals with early-career clinicians and researchers — and I’m honored to help lead it.
read moreA global community of professionals is working to address the mental health of older adults across more than fifty countries — and I’m honored to help lead that effort.
read moreGrowing older is like tending a garden of weeds and flowers: the aches and ageism are intertwined with long-held passions and new possibilities.
read moreWe never outgrow magical thinking — but moving from a wish to a reality requires passing through distinct stages. An aging psychologist explores what gets in the way, and shares her own story of turning grief into a journey forward.
read moreA reflection on contributing to the APA’s new e-booklet on the psychology of aging, exploring how the field has evolved beyond pathology to encompass resilience and meaning-making in later life.
read moreExploring how our experience of time shifts as we age, from the puzzlement of childhood to the Chronos and Kairos of later life, and why it’s important to keep learning and flourishing throughout the journey.
read moreWhat really gets in the way of healthy aging? A psychologist specializing in gerontology explores the obstacles we face and offers three practical, achievable suggestions for making aging easier and getting older better.
read moreEven older adults themselves can fall prey to internalized ageism and the unconscious fear of “contagion through association” with those who need more care. This fear drives isolation, but connection across abilities and generations offers a path to resilience and the recognition of beauty in aging.
read moreA clinical psychologist reflects on identity and memory through observations of dementia patients carrying handbags in a skilled nursing facility, and considers what objects in her own handbag—especially her treasured fountain pen—would represent who she is.
read moreDr. Erlene Rosowsky contributes to NPR’s Special Series “Living Better” discussing the complex dynamics between aging parents and adult children, the importance of respecting autonomy, and the role of life narratives in maintaining meaningful relationships.
read moreDr. Rosowsky joins the “You Earned This” podcast to discuss how financial security shapes the narratives older adults tell themselves about their worth, independence, and future, exploring themes of ageism, resilience, and meaningful connection in later life.
read moreDr. Rosowsky returns to the Living to 100 Club podcast to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing long-together couples in older age, from empty nest transitions to illness, differential aging, and loss.
read moreA clinical case study exploring how different generations define “reasonable risk” through the story of an elderly father’s daily newspaper walk and his son’s safety concerns.
read morePeople develop mental scripts about how long they’ll live and what old age will look like, based on family history and beliefs, which shapes their anxiety and relationships.
read moreHumor helps older adults cope with aging challenges by reducing negativity, connecting with others who understand, and finding joy in inevitable changes rather than fighting them.
read moreAging brings eight common changes: increased self-reflection, greater diversity among older adults, reduced energy, memory shifts, stronger mind-body connections, cultural influences, balancing activity with solitude, and individual responses to chan
read moreChildhood advice like “listen to your elders” and “this too shall pass” often remains relevant as we age, though our understanding deepens with life experience.
read moreLike Goldilocks searching for the perfect fit at the three bears’ house, we spend our lives seeking balance — what feels “just right.” With age, we face new fears of failing, facing mortality, and falling. Growth comes from embracing curiosity and taking reasonable risks.
read moreThe ability to learn and change persists throughout life. While learning may take more effort with age, cultivating openness in body, mind, and spirit enables continued growth and development.
read moreResilience in older age depends on three key abilities: avoiding preventable challenges, coping effectively with unavoidable problems, and bouncing back from setbacks. Like a three-legged stool, all components must be strong for stability.
read moreFour key personality traits help build resilience in older age: extraversion for social connection, healthy dependency for accepting help, balanced narcissism for self-identity, and conscientiousness for adapting to new experiences and challenges.
read moreSmall moments of joy (“joylets”) are worth celebrating, especially as we age. Instead of waiting for perfect happiness, we can find delight in daily experiences, memories, and simple pleasures between life’s challenges.
read moreJoy can be shared and experienced vicariously, especially in challenging times. Embracing others’ happiness can boost our own well-being, creating a positive cycle of emotional connection and support.
read moreAs we age, we often transition from independence to relying on strangers for care. Embracing this change with kindness and openness can lead to positive interactions and a better quality of life in our later years.
read moreCaregivers face burnout and unmet needs due to time, emotional, and resource commitments. The 4 As model — Acceptance, Accommodation, Advocacy, and Agency — helps manage these challenges and maintain well-being.
read moreCaregivers need support spaces for self-care, social connections, creativity, and relaxation to manage their roles effectively and maintain their health and well-being.
read moreAs we age, we risk losing purpose by filling days with mundane tasks, neglecting meaningful connections and activities that make life matter
read moreObserving a single yellow leaf dance gracefully in the wind before falling taught valuable lessons, like the importance of focus, patience, being present, and accepting impermanence.
read moreOlder adults have learned not to rush through life, allowing them to be present in the moment, a wisdom the younger generation has yet to embrace.
read moreHow aging changes our roles, relationships, and physical abilities, yet emphasizes maintaining our core identity through adaptation and acceptance.
read moreOld age is a personal and diverse experience, influenced by culture and life events, with changes in introspection, memory, and physical abilities that are not defined by age alone.
read moreReflecting on life’s impermanence, the value of familial bonds, and managing life’s overwhelming demands with purpose and positivity.
read moreThe importance and beauty of nostalgia in our later years, highlighting its role in shaping identity and sharing wisdom across generations
read moreSuperstitions, often rooted in culture and history, offer us a sense of control. While some caution against joy, reflecting on them can lead to personal liberation.
read moreAs we age, our self-image and relationship with time evolve, but our core self remains. Reflecting on past and present can provide insights into our changing perspectives.
read moreRain reminds us of life’s unpredictability, but with preparation and companionship, we can find joy between the challenges and embrace each moment.
read moreWe all face crummy days, but we can deal with them effectively by creating a personal “Crummy Day Toolkit.” Recognizing your discomfort, reflecting on your go-to reactions and arming yourself with customized tools can significantly transform your day.
read moreInspired by Popeye’s self-acceptance, learn the importance of embracing inevitable age-related changes, and how we resist due to energy, anxiety, and vanity, while reflecting on our childhood heroes’ adaptations as they age.
read morePride, while often perceived negatively, actually stems from positive emotions associated with success and accomplishment. Society generally accepts feelings of pride in others’ achievements but discourages us from taking pride in our own successes. This societal emphasis on humility often overshadows personal pride. Nonetheless, acknowledging and embracing pride in our own accomplishments is essential for personal growth and self-appreciation.
read moreWays to share the good stuff and spread joy, such as building connections across language barriers, smiling and waving to neighbors, complimenting strangers, and organizing fair exchange meetups where people share their unique skills or talents, Engaging in these activities can bring happiness to both the giver and the receiver, fostering a sense of community and friendship.
read more10 positives about being older, focusing on aging easier.
read more10 positives about being older, focusing on aging easier.
read more10 positives about being older, focusing on prespective.
read moreNurturing our capacity for Curiosity.
read moreHow we think about time can affect our psychology. Here are some tips to focus on the Now.
read moreDr. R. discusses Personality Disorders in Older Adults: Insights from a Subject Matter Expert on Dr. Joe Casciani’s podcast, Living to 100 Club
read moreLoneliness is a recognizable feeling that we all experience at times, an unpleasant feeling that incorporates feelings of sadness and anxiety.
read moreAttitude is a cluster of thoughts that is reflected in a person’s cognition, feeling and behavior. A single thought can trigger many related thoughts. Over time this collection of thoughts reinforces the way we respond to something, or someone.
read moreStress is likely to build up when we anticipate the need to make a change, experience the need for change or the actual change itself. The anticipation of making a change is typically couched in a time of fret and worry.
read moreSome assumptions live in our minds, very quietly, and guide our lives — but are not true. Embracing them increases our stress, especially so as we become older.
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