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Meaningful Engagement for Seniors: Why it’s Important

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meaningful engagement

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Why Meaningful Engagement Matters A growing body of research suggests that the strongest predictor of happiness in old age is meaningful engagement – with society and each-other.  The McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) analyzed over 70 recent, peer-reviewed academic studies on the societal participation of older adults and “found six thematic health benefits: reduced mortality rates; reduced cognitive disability; less functional disability and frailty; decreased loneliness and depression; increased physical activity levels, and enhanced meaning and quality of life” (2023).  A McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) analysis that surveyed individuals 55 and older across 21 countries recently added to this research, indicating that having a sense of purpose in life and meaningful connections with others were among the most important factors that bolster the health of older adults around the world (2023).  Meaningful Engagement The findings support the concept of societal participation being important to mental health and …

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Physician Spotlight 6: Dr. Kimberly Brown

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meaningful engagement

Physician Spotlight In today’s physician spotlight we highlight Dr. Kimberly Brown. Dr. Kimberly Brown is board certified in both Addiction and General Psychiatry. About Dr. Kimberly Brown  Dr. Kimberly Brown provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management with special attention to individual requirements. She is flexible and integrative in her approach to meet the needs and desired outcomes of each person. She carefully explores each patient’s personal history, life experiences and attitudes towards medication, all of which she approaches with empathy, understanding and helpful explanations that facilitate treatment and a patient’s sense of comfort and trust. Dr. Brown received her medical degree from USC/Keck School of Medicine and completed her internship at Cedars-Sinai. She finished her residency at USC/Keck where she served as Chief Resident of Outpatient Services and received specialized training in psychodynamic, intensive short-term and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Following graduation, she pursued an Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the …

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Depression in Older Adults: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Senior man sitting with his daughter, who is helping him with the depression in older adults that often occurs

Depression in older adults is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other emotional and physical symptoms. It affects their quality of life, daily functioning, and physical health. Depression in older adults often goes unnoticed, yet it significantly impacts their health and well-being. This condition is not a normal part of aging and can profoundly affect life quality without depression treatment.  Some estimates of major depression in older people range from less than 1% to 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare. In this article, you discover the common signs, symptoms, and treatment for depression in older adults. Signs of Depression in Older Adults Depression in older adults often manifests through various signs that are observable by others, making it crucial for caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals to recognize these indicators.  These signs, which can be behavioral …

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Physician Spotlight 5: Dr. Vicki Kalira

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meaningful engagement

Physician Spotlight In today’s physician spotlight we highlight Dr. Vicki Kalira. Dr. Vicki Kalira is a talented psychiatrist who is board certified in both Addiction and General Psychiatry. She has robust experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her multifaceted clinical approach incorporates medication, psychotherapy, nutrition, physical movement and social engagement at different stages of treatment, always focusing on self-compassion. Dr. Vicki Kalira’s approach tailors to each individual patient, is goal-oriented, flexible, and integrative. About Dr. Vicki Kalira Dr. Vicki Kalira completed medical school at West Virginia University and her psychiatry residency at Johns Hopkins University. After completing a one-year addiction psychiatry fellowship at New York University (NYU), she supported hospitalized patients at NYU-Tisch Hospital as a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist. Here, her focus centered around providing care to patients with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidities who were experiencing acute intoxication or withdrawal states. Dr. Vicki Kalira then transitioned to the …

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Menopause and Mental Health

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meaningful engagement

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Menopause Menopause describes the point in time where changes in a woman’s hormones lead to the end of menstrual cycles. It usually is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity. During perimenopause, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly (2021). Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that “many healthcare providers actually use the term menopause to refer to the period of time when a woman’s hormone levels start to change. Menopause is said to be complete when menstrual periods have ceased for one continuous year. The transition phase before menopause is often referred …

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