#113-Types of Ageism in Mental Health Care: Hidden Biases Harm Clients Artwork

Psychology of Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp

Join clinical psychologist, Dr. Regina Koepp, and expert guests as they share expert insights surrounding mental health and aging, sexual health in older adulthood, dementia, caregiving, and end of life. Each episode contains evidence-based information and resources to help you deepen your understanding of mental health and aging. Good news! For some episodes, you earn continuing education credits at the same time! Visit us as www.mentalhealthandaging.com to learn more about meeting the mental health needs of older adults.

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Psychology of Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp

#113-Types of Ageism in Mental Health Care: Hidden Biases Harm Clients

January 28, 2025 • Dr. Regina Koepp • Episode 113

Have you ever thought, “Older adults are just set in their ways” or “Therapy isn’t effective for older clients”? If so, this episode is for you. Today, we tackle the hidden biases that even seasoned mental health professionals may hold toward older adults.

You’ll learn:

What ageism is and how it manifests in mental health care.
The impact of structural and individual ageism on mental and physical health.
Research-backed insights, including Dr. Becca Levy’s groundbreaking work on the Stereotype Embodiment Theory.
How ageism and ableism intersect to create barriers for older adults.

We also explore the unique challenges faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) older adults:

By 2030, the older white population in the U.S. will increase by 39%, while the older BIPOC population will grow by 89%.
By 2050, over 42% of adults aged 65 and older will be BIPOC.
Studies show that nearly 50% of Black Americans report experiencing racial discrimination in health care, and BIPOC older adults are disproportionately excluded from clinical trials.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for culturally responsive, anti-ageist, and anti-racist mental health care practices.

Let’s rewrite the narrative: Older adults are resilient, capable, and deserving of high-quality mental health care.

Click here to visit the show notes page for all references and resources

Resources Mentioned:

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Follow Dr. Regina Koepp:
Website: www.drreginakoepp.com & Center for Mental Health & Aging
LinkedIn: Regina Koepp, Psy.D.

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