Successful aging and challenges for older women
 
Excellent mental health is vital to older and elderly women. Successful aging and coping associated with medical, mental health and family concerns have recently received more research attention. Women’s Mental Health Associates has expertise in the following issues related to successful aging; improving and maintaining quality of life; cognitive functioning; relationship satisfaction; physical health and resilience.

• Difficulties falling or staying asleep
• Assessment and treatment of depressive and anxiety symptoms
• Depression and anxiety associated with medical illness
• Coping with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions
• Problems with sexual functioning
• Caregiver issues such as caring for ill spouse/partner, children, siblings
• Family issues
• Bereavement or grief after the death of a family member and/or friends
• Medical decision making and end of life issues
• Decision making about living arrangements
  

For helpful resources see:

Alzheimer’s Association
http://www.alz.org/

National Institutes of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

NAMI-“Depression in Older Persons”
http://www.nami.org

National Institute on Aging
http://www.nia.nih.gov/

Older Women’s League
http://www.owl-national.org/index.htm

National Center on Women and Aging
http://heller.brandeis.edu/national/index.html

Family Caregiver Alliance
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/home.jsp