Baby Boomers Mature and Gerontological Counseling Comes of Age

Abstract

Gerontological counseling is the wave of the profession's future. With the majority of 76 million baby boomers beginning to turn 60 years old in 2006, there will be a great need for preretirement to end-of-life counselors. This article focuses on (a) the varied influences of this group on the U.S. and the nation's concerns and (b) theories, models, standards, and competencies for counseling this unique population.

Mattering in the Later Years: Older Adults' Experiences of Mattering to Others, Purpose in Life, Depression, and Wellness

“…For older persons, concerns of declining physical health, possible financial concerns, societal age discrimination, loneliness, the possibility of imminent death, and the death of friends and significant others can lead to depression (Frolik, 2001;Maples & Abney, 2006). It seems that for men, concerns related to the loss of health and/or the loss of a spouse are the greatest predictors of depression; for women, financial concerns and/or loneliness create depressed feelings.…”

Investigating Holistic Wellness Dimensions During Older Adulthood: A Factor Analytic Study

“…One explanation for this is the growing population of aging individuals. Currently, the number of older adults in the USA is at a record high (US Census Bureau 2011) and continues to increase as the baby boom generation ages (Maples and Abney 2006). Researchers predicted by 2030 that 72.1 million Americans will be aged 65 years or older (Administration on Aging 2014), and by 2020 longevity rates will reach 82 years for women and 77 years for men (US Census Bureau 2011).…”

Counseling Preferences of African American Women

“…More counseling classes should infuse issues surrounding gerontological needs and concerns into their course work. In addition, cross-cultural research could focus on the relationship between aging, mental health, culture, and ethnicity and on how their interaction might influence the counseling process (Harris, 1998;Maples & Abney, 2006). However, most counseling services for African Americans will be cross-cultural (i.e., provided by a White counselor).…”