Using Reality Therapy to Facilitate Successful Aging in Clinical Practice

Abstract

Within the next 15 years, the population of older persons in the United States is expected to reach 20% of the population by 2030. Undoubtedly, there will be an increase in the number of older persons with mental health issues as well as issues simply related to aging. The purpose of this article is twofold. It will briefly examine how the counseling profession has addressed the needs of the aging population. Second, it will provide an introduction to reality therapy as a flexible theoretical approach that can be tailored to individuals throughout the life span. This approach can help older persons in making choices that are need fulfilling and tailored to match their dreams and identified wants.