ACA -CCPA 2016 Conference & Expo

ID #131-From Surviving to Thriving: How Older Adults Use Resilience To Navigate Adversity in Later Life (Room 513C)

01 Apr 16
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tracks: ACA, Divisions, Regions, Branch Groups 1 & 2, Clinical Mental Health, Human Development Across the Lifespan

Speaker(s): Marcela Kepicova, Lecturer, Kean University; Matthew Fullen, Licensed Professional Counselor, The Ohio State University; Robert Dobmeier, Associate Professor, The College at Brockport, State University

Older adults experience a number of major transitions, some leading to mental health issues. Nonetheless, many older adults are capable of demonstrating resilience, wellness, and life satisfaction in the face of major adversity. This session discusses the factors that influence optimal aging, especially after widowhood and retirement, and integration of such factors into treatment. Finally, Medicare advocacy is discussed as a means of expanding counseling services in older adulthood.