AgingToday    More time— "My children have moved away, and I'm working less—I've got too much time on my hands."  More Choices— "I'm finally retired now, and I can do some of those things that I've always wanted to do, but am I up to it?"  More Life— "Sounds great! But, I'm alone more, and many of my friends are gone. What should I do now?"

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Making Adjustments May Not Be Easy Aging brings choices and freedom, but it also may bring challenges: Retirement Learning to cope when routines are suddenly swept away. Isolation Reaching out and being part of the community. Loss of Loved Ones Grieving and still moving on with a hopeful heart. Health Changes Knowing the difference between normal aging and illness— slowing down is not "falling apart." Being the Caregiver Being loving and helpful to another without sacrificing yourself out of guilt. Staying Sharp Setting up cues in everyday life to deal with memory lapses. The Challenges May Become Overwhelming. You May Begin To Ask: "Who am I?" "What is it all about?" "Where am I going?"   You May React With: "Anger" Reduced Vitality "Sleep Problems" Anxiety "Forgetfulness" Depression  These reactions are normal. They are upsetting and they hurt, but they need not dominate your life.

A PSYCHOLOGIST IS THERE TO:   Listen Give you focused attention without being judgmental. Understand Hear what you're saying and what you really mean. Respect Know that your concerns are what's important. Observe Alert you to your capabilities and the power you have within yourself. A Psychologist Can Help You With New Possibilities You can be seen individually, in a group or with your family where you will have the opportunity to: Change Patterns That Cause You Anguish The need for change is ageless. You can be helped to take charge of your life. Resolve Difficulties in Relationships The psychologist or the group can help you to communicate more effectively and modify self-defeating patterns. Break Down the Wall of Loneliness Learn to open yourself to others—new friends and old—finding your pleasure in closeness with others. Look Forward to Attainable Goals Learn to set goals that are possible for you. Be Comfortable with Decisions Renewal of your confidence will help you to shed self-doubt. Your life can once again be yours.   Psychologists Can Help You Take Advantage of Your Extended Life Span. You can be active and involved create possibilities for new careers learn that sex is not limited to the young   Opportunities, Challenges and Choices Abound With psychological help and guidance, older can become younger! For you—a senior of today, choices and opportunities lie ahead. It's your time now! Use it well.

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Prepared By: June Epstein Blum, Ph.D. and Marcella Bakur Weiner, Ed.D. The Brochure Project A Joint Venture of the Divisions of Psychotherapy and Independent Practice American Psychological Association Co-Directors: Alice Rubenstein, Ed.D. and Sandra Haber, Ph.D. Publication Coordinators Abraham Wolf, Ph.D. and Peter Sheras, Ph.D. © The Brochure Project, 1998 (602) 854-8950

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