Senior Support: Mental Health During "The Golden Years"
- Jill Harbin
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
When individuals reach the age of 65+ they are officially considered a “senior”. While often categorized as “The Golden Years”, this life transition can coincide with specific age related losses.
Loss doesn’t only refer to the death of an individual; loss for seniors can be factors such as retiring (loss of a career, daily routine, and social connections), moving (loss of a family home or neighbours), and/or health issues (loss of physical or cognitive abilities). Because of these age-specific losses, many seniors are at risk for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and suicidality.
What Kind of Mental Health Issues Do Seniors Face?
Seniors can face all the same mental health challenges that any other person might, but often age-related experiences are part of our discussions in session. This is because age-related experiences can be all encompassing for people and greatly affect their daily functioning. Other common topics are change, stress, relationships, family dynamics, parenting, trauma, and emotional processing.
It would be important to note the current stigma surrounding aging in western cultures. Western cultures typically value youth and the notion of “anti-aging”. Because of this, it’s possible for seniors to feel they cannot talk about the issues they are facing, which can lead to further feelings of isolation and loneliness.
As well, there is a possible generational stigma still surrounding seeking out mental health support for seniors. Many of today’s seniors grew up during a time when going to therapy was not commonplace, and mental health was not discussed openly.
I think we’re at a transitional period of time, in 2026, as the “Baby Boomer” generation is where we may see this change. Many of my family members are part of this generation, and are a lot more open to seeking out mental health support and talking about their mental health than those of the “Greatest/Silent Generation” before them.
Working With Senior Clients
I view working with seniors as the same as any other age group, while also acknowledging the age-specific issues they may face. Age doesn’t define what someone might be struggling with, but it’s equally important for therapists to understand the various challenges that only seniors face. I also like to take the time to acknowledge with all my senior clients that I’m aware that I don’t know their lived experience to the same degree they do (I’m actually unable to know this for any client!). But acknowledging that I’m not a senior (yet) myself, and that I value their wealth of knowledge and life experience in our work together, is important.
I think the key for therapists working with seniors is to never presume or treat clients differently based on age, while also accommodating and adapting to specific client needs (ie. those who are hearing/visually impaired, or face mobility challenges).
Sometimes people have asked why I work with seniors.
For one, I appreciate how “unfiltered” people tend to become as they age. I think some of the best therapeutic work can be done when we are our unfiltered, and most authentic selves.
Another reason I work with seniors is I believe every stage of life has its own challenges. Seniors should not be left behind when it comes to mental health support. I’ve personally experienced the value of multi-generational relationships. I’ve had many family members live in assisted living and long term care, so I have an in-depth understanding of these systems. I was also very close with my grandparents, especially in their elderly years when they needed the most care.
When it comes to any of the concerns listed in this article, know that you don’t have to face them alone. Having support while going through a stressful time, or just having someone to talk to that’s unbiased, and safe, can make a meaningful difference.
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Information provided through Balance Psychological Services' blog posts is meant for educational purposes only. This is NOT medical or mental health advice. If you are seeking mental health advice, please contact us directly at (587) 985-3132.
