O'Malley Geropsychology

05/22/2026

I had a great time Milford Regional Medical Center Senior Health Fair this week. Thank you for hosting this important community event.

I am also excited to share that I am partnering with the Community Benefits Commitee to offer two free webinars. The first will be on Mental Health Causes and Effects of Social Isolation and Hoarding disorder and the second is Approaching Difficult / Sensitive Topics with Older Adult Family Members. Registration opens June 22nd at ummhealth.org/event

UMass Memorial Health is the largest health care system in Central Massachusetts offering the region’s most sophisticated medical technology & support services.

05/13/2026

Thank you to Ashley, Fi, Taylor, Rebecca, and Christa at Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes P.C. for a lively and interesting discussion about how their Estate Planning & Elder Law services help support client emotional health and well-being by knowing their future, and their family's futures, are preserved and how my work as a geropsychologist compliments this meaningful planning!

05/05/2026

It's National Pet Month and Older Americans Month. I love pets and I love working with older adults...this month's celebrations are a perfect blend for me. Our love of pets continues throughout our lifetime and the benefits we enjoy from spending time with our furry companions doesn't change.

During early-stage memory changes or moments of anxiety, a pet provides a profound clinical gift --sensory grounding. The rhythmic purr of a cat or the weight of a dog’s head on a knee, helps us to stay grounded in the present moment. It gently pulls the mind back from confusion or worry and centers it in the safety of the now.

One of the most empowering aspects of the human-animal bond is that pets don't require the right words. They allow us to feel understood and accepted, just as we are at any stage of life.

05/01/2026

Discover how the University of Utah School of Nursing transformed age-friendly pledges into institutional change by embedding a reframing aging workshop into its Excellence Across the Lifespan Champions program. Faculty and staff led age-inclusivity projects, fostering sustainable culture change and...

05/01/2026

It’s hard to believe it has been nearly a year since we lost our beloved Lilly. Lilly was a sweet, loving, and funny Beagle who became a part of our lives when we fostered, and then foster-failed--promptly adopting her, from the Colorado Beagle Rescue in 2015.

She was a very sick little girl when she first came to us, recovering from heartworm and a life of neglect. Yet, you would never have known the hardships she survived; she remained the sweetest, most loving and trusting girl. She spent hours by my side during that first year of recovery, and once she regained her health, she was enthusiastically pulling us down miles and miles of hiking trails. She was a true gift in our lives and touched our hearts in a way I never expected.

Pets have a profound impact on our lives and emotional health. Lilly certainly did on mine.

May is a significant month; we are celebrating both National Pet Month and Older Americans Month and it’s a perfect reminder that we have powerful, natural tools to help us stay vibrant as we age.

Petting a dog or cat is scientifically proven to improve your cardiovascular and mental health. Regular interaction with animals can lower cortisol helping manage the stress response, boost oxytocin promoting feelings of safety and connection, and regulate blood pressure-supporting heart health with every purr or tail wag.

Whether it’s a loyal companion or a visiting therapy animal, pets are incredible partners in helping you stay at the top of your game. I hope you have time to spend with the special furry family members in your life this month.

04/28/2026

Nurturing Life: Why Everyone Needs Green Space 🌿

As the weather is getting nicer and daffodils and tulips are bringing beauty after a long cold winter, our minds may be turning to gardening. Caring for plants provides a profound psychological shift to becoming a nurturer and provider of care. In the later chapters of life, this shift is essential for maintaining a sense of agency.

Caring for plants—whether it’s a full backyard garden or a single succulent on a windowsill—offers unique benefits:

🌿Caring for something living satisfies the innate human need to be productive and useful. It reminds us that we still have much to give.

🌿Gardening requires focus on the present moment—the soil, the water, the new growth. It is a natural form of mindfulness that reduces rumination on negative thoughts.

🌿Outdoor gardening provides essential sunlight exposure, which regulates sleep patterns and boosts mood.

Bring the Outside In: Let's integrate living plants in every home and resident room and create accessible green spaces for gardening in every community.

03/31/2026

Thank you to Bridges by EPOCH at Sudbury, Sarah Turcotte, Kristin Johnson, Grace Doherty, and Chris Brooks for hosting me today. I loved learning about The Bridges philosophy and approach and seeing the beautiful residences at Sudbury. I am excited for our partnership! And thank you again for the lovely surprise.

03/23/2026

Women’s History Month: Why Julia Child is a "Second Prime" Icon

We think of Julia Child as a lifelong chef, but she didn't even begin to study French cooking until her late 30s. Her legendary book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, wasn't published until she was 49, and her television career didn't launch until her 50s.

Julia embraced her "Second Prime" with humor and a relentless curiosity.

At O’Malley Geropsychology, I celebrate the "Late Bloomers." There is a specific kind of confidence that comes with age—the ability to fail, get back up, and keep “cooking”. We learn resilience and perseverance that comes with experience and successfully overcoming challenges. Life is a journey that leads us to incredible destinations.

As March comes to an end, let’s embrace the journey and celebrate the women who found their truest flavor later in life. You never know what comes next!