Behavioral health being highlighted as part of fall 2021 Road to Retirement conference

Behavioral health matters across all stages of life. As part of the fall 2021 Road to Retirement conference, two workshops focusing on behavioral health and social wellness will be presented:

Tips to Avoid Unexpected Sadness in Retirement
2-3 p.m. ET Sept. 22 (W) via Zoom. Presented by Amanda Hathcock, behavioral health counselor, Center for Healthy Living. Discuss and explore the body’s automatic response to life adjustments. Tips and tools to incorporate for a smooth transition to retirement will be provided. Register here.

The Importance of Staying Socially Connected After Retirement
10-11 a.m. ET Sept. 24 (F) via Zoom. Presented by Lindsay Bloom, health coach, Purdue Fort Wayne. Learn about how maintaining social connections and being involved in the community after retirement can improve physical health, mental health, slow cognitive decline and help individuals age better. Join via Zoom (meeting ID: 913 5917 3808; passcode: Social).

“Social engagement is an important part of successful aging,” Bloom says. “From childhood to late adulthood, social connections support well-being, enhance brain health, improve attitude/outlook, help prevent loneliness and more.”

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports:

• At least one in four older adults experiences some mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety or dementia.
• Due to population aging, the number of seniors with mental disorders is expected to double by 2030.
• Depression is the most common mental health problem in older people.

Additionally, PAHO shares that research suggests that seniors benefit from supportive social connections and close personal relationships but suffer as a result of disrupted personal ties and loneliness.

“It’s important to acknowledge and address the behavioral health needs of our entire Purdue population,” says Candace Shaffer, senior director of benefits in Human Resources. “Highlighting behavioral health as part of our fall 2021 Road to Retirement conference supports that effort and allows us the ability to showcase sessions specific to behavioral health as well as social and financial wellness. The sessions speak to individuals preparing for retirement as well as those who are just beginning to think about retirement, but who may have loved ones ready to retire now.”

Purdue University Retirees Association (PURA) offers an opportunity for individuals to stay socially connected post-retirement.

Road to Retirement is offered twice annually to Purdue employees, regardless of where they are on their retirement planning path. The fall 2021 event will take place September 22-24. More details are available online.  

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including EAP resources for all Purdue campuses.

To assist students

Faculty and staff, who work with students or have a student at home, can direct students to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100 percent on the Purdue student health plan.  

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous network of support
• Services and information
• Presentations and trainings
• Student of Concern reporting link

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy services at CAPS
• Self-help resources
• Group therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country.
• WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app.