The Expanding Role of Counseling in Later Life

Counseling in later life addresses more than loss and illness. It explores personal identity and life’s meaning.

People are living longer, reshaping what it means to grow old. By the late 2060s, an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide will be age 60 or older. This number will surpass those under 18. The population aged 80 and older will grow even faster, more than tripling between 2023 and 2060 to about 545 million.

Counseling can assist older adults in navigating these changes. It helps them confront questions about who they are and what brings meaning to their lives.