Aging Well: Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health and Aging - with Robyn Golden and Caryn Blanton

As we age, mental health becomes just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked, misunderstood, or dismissed as a normal part of getting older. In this episode of Aging Well, we hear from Robyn Golden, Associate Vice President of Social Work and Community Health at Rush University Medical Center and Caryn Blanton, Program Manager at the E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, to explore the realities of mental health and aging, and why connection, purpose, and support are critical to aging well. Robyn and Caryn share powerful insights on ageism in healthcare, the emotional impact of social isolation, caregiver stress, depression, anxiety, and the importance of treating mental health with the same urgency and compassion as physical health. The conversation also dives into the growing need for education and advocacy around behavioral health for older adults, including the work being done through the E4 Center of Excellence and innovative programs that help identify and support older adults before they reach a crisis point. Whether you’re an older adult, caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone looking to better support the people around you, this episode offers meaningful perspective, practical advice, and an important reminder: it is never too late to care for your mental health, ask for help, and stay connected. Resources: Social Work and Community Health Services | Rush E4 Center – Rush Center for Excellence in Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging E4 Center Toolkits 4Ms Behavioral Health – E4 Center Longevity increased by positive self-perceptions of aging - PubMed The 8 Limbs of Yoga and Why They Matter to Your Practice – Sri Sri School of Yoga A Decolonized Guide to the 8 Limbs of Yoga Gatekeeper Program | Washington County, OR Bowling Alone Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org