Psychology of Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp

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#027 - How well do you know your own assumptions, biases, and values when it comes to aging and sexuality? Have you taken much time to think about this?

Let's take some time right now. After all, if you're not currently an older adult, I'm sure you aspire to become one and desire a healthy and happy life. And, If you're anything like most older adults, sex and sexuality will be a part of your older adulthood. So why not take a little time to learn about your future self?

In this episode I talk about aging and sexuality. I dispel the myth that sexuality is not important as we age, and discuss the benefits of sexuality and intimacy among seniors as well as some of the barriers that impede sexual expression among older adults.

Here's a peak inside the episode:

• [1:17] How well do you know your own assumptions, biases, and values when it comes to aging and sexuality? What comes to mind when I say “older adults and sex”? Gain clarity about your own thoughts about aging and sexuality by reflecting on a list of questions I pose.
• [3:03] Older adults continue to enjoy sex and sexuality throughout their older adulthood, learn about what percentage of older adults remain sexually active and how frequently they are having sex.
• [4:30] There are many benefits to fostering intimacy and sexuality among seniors. From physiological benefits, to mental health benefits, to spiritual benefits. Sexuality among older adults is healthy and helpful. Broaden your understanding of the benefits of aging and sexuality here.
• [10:47] Just as there are many benefits to sexuality in older adulthood, there are many barriers. Naturally, the body changes as we age creating some barriers with workarounds (e.g., Viagra for erectile dysfunction and lubrication for vaginal dryness), but there are other barriers (like ageism- bias and discrimination based on age) that may be interfering with sexuality among older adults. Learn more about what you can do to change this.
• [13:28] At every stage of life, we require companionship, intimacy, and love. I'm going to challenge you and I'm going to challenge myself to be reminded that at every stage of older life, seniors benefit from sexual expression.

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Check out the show notes here!

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#012 - Dementia is one of the most important, but often overlooked, health care issues related to older African Americans.

In fact, research shows that African Americans are two to three times more likely to develop a dementia disorder (compared to European Americans) and at the same time are less likely to be diagnosed early in the disease process and provided with adequate treatment.

The burning question is "WHY?!!"

Luckily there are experts, like Dr. Vonetta Dotson, Neuropsychologist, who can help us understand why this is happening and what we can do about it.

In this week's interview, Dr. Dotson shares biological, genetic, and social factors that increase the risk for dementia. She also shares what you can do to ensure that your loved ones are getting the best, most equitable and comprehensive health care. AND, she shares tips for keeping your own brain healthy!

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn from my interview with Dr. Vonetta Dotson

• [01:28] Dr. Dotson discusses health disparities related to dementia and African Americans and what contributes to these disparities, including medical problems, genetics, and cultural barriers.
• [07:07] Early detection in dementia and treatment, especially early in the illness process is essential to equitable care, Dr. Dotson shares why.
• [09:57] Dr. Dotson shares tips for African American families on how to get the best care for dementia in light of mistreatment and mistrust in the health care system.
• [15:56] The dementia diagnosis process is discussed and Dr. Dotson describes the benefits of seeing a Neurologist AND a Neuropsychologist for a comprehensive assessment to help determine a dementia disorder.
• [18:57] The dementia journey is long, Dr. Dotson shares recommendations for maintaining equitable health care along the course of dementia.
• [24:00] There are steps that we can take to reduce our risk for dementia and protect our brains as we age. Learn what you can do.

By the end of this episode, you'll understand the biological, genetic, and social factors that increase the risk for dementia in African Americans, have a roadmap for getting your loved one the best, most equitable and comprehensive health care, and have strategies for keeping your own brain healthy!
Download the free Dementia 101 Guide
Check out the show notes here!
Rate and Review Psychology of Aging Podcast with Dr. Regina Koepp
If you're on Apple Podcasts, help me help others by rating and reviewing my show. Reviews let others- just like you- care for the older adults in their lives.
It's simple:
1. Just click here
2. Scroll down to "Ratings and Reviews"
3. Tap or click "Write a Review"
I read them all. Thank you so much!

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here
Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

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#045-Dementia is one of the most important, but often overlooked, health care issues related to older African Americans.

Research shows that African Americans are two to three times more likely to develop a dementia disorder (compared to European Americans) and at the same time are less likely to be diagnosed early in the disease process and provided with adequate treatment.

Today's guest, Dr. Fayron Epps, Nurse Scientist and Assistant Professor at Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, is focused on changing this by improving access to resources and awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias in African American and faith communities by conducting research and providing education.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn from my interview with Dr. Fayron Epps:

• [08:24] Dementia education is essential to caring for loved one's with dementia. Dr. Epps describes the importance of education and resources about dementia, in particular, in African American communities
• [13:32] Dr. Epps describes the role of African American churches as the cornerstone to the Black community and as a safe haven for many Black families.
• [16:57] Dr. Epps describes ways in which education about dementia transforms the caregiving experience.
• [20:07] With systemic racism and strained relationships with the health care system disproportionately affecting African Americans, Dr. Epps shares her personal testimony of working through her own mistrust with the health care system.
• [23:44] Dr. Epps provides recommendations to African American individuals and families about working through their own mistrust of the health care system
• [28:39] The number one recommendation Dr. Epps has for families concerned about an older loved one.

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Download the Memory Loss Guide here
Download the Caring for Aging Parents Checklist here.
Click here to visit the show notes page to learn more.
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• For Families: Click here
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Help others find this show and get tools for caregiving:

• My mission is to give you tools for caring for aging parents so you have peace of mind knowing you're doing everything you can to help your older loved one live their best life.
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I read them all. Thank you!

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DISCLAIMER: The material on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. Any comments Dr. Koepp may make on the TV Show, blog, or in response to an individual’s st

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here
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#051 - Researchers have been investigating brain health recommendations that help to reduce our risk for cognitive decline in older adulthood. Many of the tips that I'm going to share today are really about how to live your healthiest life and achieve optimal physical health, brain health, and mental health in older adulthood.

You may already be doing many of these recommendations. As you listen to this episode, take notes and make a list. Put a check mark by items that you are currently doing and a star next to the items that you need to be doing more of to achieve optimal health. At the end of the episode, give yourself some praise for what you're already doing, then choose one of the starred items to focus on to optimize your brain health and mental health.

Let's dive in to the 12 evidence-based brain health recommendations to reduce your risk for cognitive decline and dementia and promote mental well being:

Here's a peak into the episode

• [02:55] Brain Health Recommendation #1: Engage in your social life by spending time with friends and in your community
• [07:29] Brain Health Recommendation #2: Avoid excessive alcohol & other harmful substances
• [09:49] Brain Health Recommendation #3: Eat a nutritious diet
• [13:54] Brain Health Recommendation #4: Maintain heart health (cardiovascular health)
• [16:01] Brain Health Recommendation #5: Engage in physical activity
• [19:36] Brain Health Recommendation #6: Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night (consistently)
• [23:33] Brain Health Recommendation #7: Find a sense of meaning and purpose in life
• [25:11] Brain Health Recommendation #8: Think positively about aging
• [30:22] Brain Health Recommendation #9: Engage in enjoyable activities
• [30:55] Brain Health Recommendation #10: Be mindful of medications contraindicated for older adults
• [32:32] Brain Health Recommendation #11: Avoid smoking and other environmental toxins
• [33:52] Brain Health Recommendation #12: Get treatment for mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression
  

Click here to visit the show notes page to learn more.
Click here to listen to the podcast
FREE GUIDES

• Download the Memory Loss Guide here
• Interested in working with me?
  • For Families: Click here
  • For Professionals: Click here

Help others find this show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you listen to the podcast, or here on i-tunes.
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DISCLAIMER: The material on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. Any comments Dr. Koepp may make on the TV Show, blog, or in response to an individual’s story or comments should not be construed as establishing a psychologist-patient relationship between Dr. Koepp and the individual. None of Dr. Koepp's show, website, social media, comments, or group

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here
Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits

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#071 - Angie Burke was a Registered Nurse and worked for 26 years at a hospital in her community, specializing in palliative care, until On September 23, 2013, she suffered a large stroke and was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy.

​Following an episode of depression, Angie became more determined than ever began exercising daily, and eventually became an amateur bodybuilder. In May of 2017 she competed in her first amateur bodybuilding show.

In today's episode, Angie shares her journey of stroke, depression, and going from "stroke victim" to "stroke survivor".

Depression after stroke affects approximately one third of stroke survivors at any one time after stroke. Thankfully, there is help for people living with depression following stroke.

In this interview, stroke survivor, Angie Burke and I discuss:

• The unseen challenges that come with having a stroke- like grief related to loss of identity, ability, career, and the way things were.
• After stroke depression and psychiatric hospitalization and treatment
• Angie’s journey of going from “stroke victim” to “stroke survivor”
• Recommendations to other stroke survivors
• Recommendations to friends and family of stroke survivors

Click here to visit the show notes page for all the resources mentioned in today's episode:
Older Adult / Family? Download the Memory Loss & Mental Health Guide
Professional? Grab the Mental Health Professional’s Guide to Working with Older Adults

Help others find this show by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you listen to the podcast, or here on i-tunes.

--
DISCLAIMER: The material on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. Any comments Dr. Koepp may make on the TV Show, blog, or in response to an individual’s story or comments should not be construed as establishing a psychologist-patient relationship between Dr. Koepp and the individual. None of Dr. Koepp's show, website, social media, comments, or group information should be considered a substitute for individualized medical or mental health assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. Koepp is only representing herself in her TV Show, blogs, and on her website.

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PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here
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