Counseling in later life is not only for dealing with loss or illness—it can also help older adults explore questions about identity, purpose, and how they want to live as they age. As people are living longer, the experience of growing old is changing. By the late 2060s, it's estimated that more than 2.5 billion people worldwide will be 60 or older, surpassing the number of people under 18. The population aged 80 and above is expected to grow even more rapidly, reaching nearly 545 million by 2060. This means more people will spend years navigating the many changes that come with aging. These changes can bring up complex questions and concerns that some may address through counseling or therapy. However, older adults are significantly less likely than younger people to seek such help. According to 2024 national data, only 7.5% of adults aged 65 to 74 and 5% of those 75 and older received counseling or therapy from a mental health professional—compared to 20.2% of adults aged 18 to 29. There is no single reason for this gap, but several factors may contribute. Practical barriers like cost, health issues, transportation challenges, and limited access to services can make getting help difficult. Additionally, many older adults may not consider counseling as an option, preferring informal support from friends or family. Stigma, misconceptions about therapy, and cost are commonly reported obstacles. Expectations about aging also play a role. A 2025 review found that older adults and some healthcare providers who hold negative views about aging may be less confident in the effectiveness of therapy for change or improvement. Aging involves many transitions—some chosen, others due to life circumstances. For example, a person may be retiring after decades of work, or they may need to continue working but in a different capacity. Others may be adjusting to a disability, giving up driving, caring for a spouse, moving from a long-time home, or starting a new relationship. These changes can affect not just daily routines but also a person’s sense of purpose and well-being. Retirement, for instance, can challenge someone’s sense of identity and meaning. Other life events, like the loss of a loved one or a change in physical health, can also impact a person’s sense of self and future. The way mental health professionals approach counseling for older adults has evolved significantly since the early 2000s. Researchers and practitioners now recognize the diverse ways people experience aging, the strengths older adults bring, and their potential for growth and change. Updated 2024 guidelines emphasize understanding an individual’s unique circumstances, relationships, health, abilities, and the social aspects of aging. This shift can influence the topics a person discusses in therapy. For example, giving up driving may be as much about independence as it is about transportation. Leaving a career could lead to questions about identity and future goals. Adjusting to a disability may involve exploring what is still possible and how to move forward. However, research has found that even counselors working with older adults may hold biases about aging. If a counselor focuses primarily on age-related issues like illness or loss, they may overlook other important areas of a person’s life, such as independence, relationships, and future aspirations. Studies show that older adults can benefit from counseling just as much as younger people—not only for mental health concerns but also when navigating major life changes. Counseling can provide a space to explore not just what has changed in life but also what it means and how someone wants to live moving forward. If you're considering counseling later in life, it’s important not to assume it’s not for your situation. Retirement, caregiving, changes in independence, disability, or questions about the future can all be valid reasons to seek support. When choosing a counselor, the American Psychological Association suggests asking about their experience with older adults and the specific issues that matter to you. During your first sessions, pay attention to how the conversation feels. Counseling is a partnership, and feeling comfortable with your counselor is key. If the conversation isn’t addressing your concerns, it’s reasonable to voice that or consider another provider. While counseling in later life may sometimes involve dealing with grief or illness, it can also be a place to ask a meaningful question: What do I want my life to look like now?