Gilmour Psychological Services is inclusive, offering services across the age span.

The term, “geriatric” typically refers to health care for older adults, an age group that is not easy to define precisely. Gerontology is the study of aging, including biological, sociological, and psychological changes. Because older people can choose to see a psychologist for a range of issues, not just health or mental health related, the broader term of “older issues”, is the most inclusive. Older adulthood, like other age categories, such as adolescence or emerging adulthood, does not have a specific age-related starting point. In our society, the tendency is to consider age 65 as the arbitrary beginning of being an older adult, similar to 13 being the arbitrary starting point for adolescence and 18 or 19 being the start of the emerging adult stage of life. 

Overall, the issues of someone in the older adult stage of life may be very similar to other stages, but coloured by the demands, challenges and enjoyments characteristic of aging. That is, the older adult is in a stage of ongoing transitions. These transitions often include adaptations, opportunities and losses. Furthermore, like at any other stage of life, older people sometimes develop anxiety or depressive disorders, interpersonal difficulties or other emotional issues. They can also experience distress over having physical ailments or diminished capacity and energy. All these aspects of aging can be navigated successfully and all benefit from talking with a psychologist.