In this episode of Aging Well With VNA, host Kersten Rettig is joined by John W. Burruss, M.D., Psychiatrist and CEO of Metrocare, for a thoughtful and timely conversation on the powerful connection between mental health and aging well.
Dr. Burruss and Kersten explore how mental and emotional health influence both chronological age and biological age, shaping how we feel, function, and thrive as we grow older. The discussion takes a closer look at the often‑overlooked mental health challenges faced by caregivers, including stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue, and how these experiences can affect long‑term health.
The conversation also addresses the profound impact of grief on mental well‑being—how loss changes the brain, the body, and our sense of self, and why acknowledging and supporting mental health during grief is essential at any age.
Listeners will walk away with practical, actionable advice for aging well, including strategies to support brain health, build emotional resilience, and protect mental wellness through life’s transitions. This episode offers compassionate insight, medical expertise, and hopeful guidance for individuals, caregivers, and families navigating the journey of aging.
Helpful resources:
Metrocare: https://www.metrocareservices.org/
Center for Brain Health: https://centerforbrainhealth.org/
National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/