Aging Wisely: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Aging Wisely: A Guide for Helping Professionals equips future practitioners with fundamental ideas and tools for working effectively with older adults. The book provides unique insight into the special issues and challenges of aging populations, connects the dots between theory and practice with older adults, and encourages critical thinking and self-reflection to help students develop a meaningful personal practice.

The book begins with an introduction to working with older populations, which emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of aging individuals. The following chapter focuses on how theories of aging and theories of counseling can inform a practitioners’ work. Additional chapters provide information about the process of working with older people. Students learn about the special needs of older adults, including physical health issues, dealing with loss, changes in personal connections, and more. Dedicated chapters explore cultural and ethical considerations, supporting an older adult’s caregivers, and the importance of self-care.

Featuring a highly personal style and a caring exploration of an underserved population, Aging Wisely is an ideal text for courses in counseling, human services, and social work. Those serving in helping professions with limited experience working with aging populations will also find this resource valuable.

David Hutchinson is a faculty member in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Northern Vermont University at Johnson. He earned his Ph.D. in counselor education from SUNY Buffalo and his M.A./C.A.S. in rehabilitation counseling from Assumption College. Prior to teaching, Dr. Hutchinson worked as a counselor and administrator in a variety of counseling programs and also served as a Peace Corps volunteer.