[4 MIN READ]

In this article:

• New approaches to geriatric care are helping people redefine aging and live life to its fullest during their later years. 

• Providers at the Swedish Center for Healthy Aging embrace an approach they call “gerotranscendence” — which focuses on rising above real and perceived limitations of age.

• Geriatric providers can help older adults navigate the care they need and connect to communities for inspiration and support.

Gerotranscendence: A new approach to healthy aging 

Aging is often viewed through a lens of decline, focusing on the things we can no longer do and the illnesses and conditions we collect as we age. However, for Emma Dotson, DNP, ARNP, a nurse practitioner at the Swedish Center for Healthy Aging, aging can also be an opportunity for growth and connection.

Dotson specializes in cognitive neurology and healthy aging. She has a unique perspective informed by her background in geriatrics, psychiatry and neurology. Her approach centers on managing illness and embracing the later stages of life with dignity, meaning and vitality.

“I work primarily with adults ages 65 and up,” says Dotson. “Some have diagnosed cognitive impairment or dementia; others are concerned about memory changes or just want to stay sharp as they age. There are challenges, of course, but there’s also a lot of beauty in this phase of life.” 

The inspirational power of stories 

One of Dotson’s favorite aspects of working with older adults is listening to their life stories.

“What I love most about working with older adults is their different perspectives on life and how candidly they share their wisdom,” she says. “I also love supporting people during a challenging era of their lives.”

Her passion for geriatrics started early.

“I vividly recall being assigned to an older adult patient in the hospital who was having a difficult time with his recovery,” Dotson says. “I remember walking laps with him around our unit, hearing about his life (the good and the bad), and he really inspired me. I realized how wise older adults are and how much there is to learn from them.” 

Gerotranscendence and embracing the “now”

For many older adults, opportunities to reflect and connect can be profoundly healing. Connection is also fundamental to the theory of gerotranscendence, which suggests that as people age, they gain a more reflective, spiritual and interconnected view of life.

“Gero means ‘old’ and transcendence means ‘rise above’,” Dotson explains. “As we age, our perspectives change and we often feel more connected to ourselves, others and the universe. This translates to better well-being and a mindset that helps us rise above aging.” 

One of the most common struggles Dotson hears from patients is feeling stuck in the past.

“People often focus on what they used to be able to do physically, mentally and socially. They often feel discouraged by the changes they’re facing,” she says. “But to embrace aging, we must shift that mindset to the present, focusing on what you can do now, how you can adapt and how to find joy and purpose.”

Social connections promote brain health

To help patients stay engaged and healthy, Dotson leads shared medical visits at the Swedish Center for Healthy Aging. These are virtual group sessions, billed as medical visits through insurance, where older adults meet monthly over Zoom to talk about cognitive health, lifestyle changes and goal setting. 

“Research shows that group visits help people create sustainable behavioral changes that positively impact their health,” she says. “And we cover all kinds of topics, from sleep and exercise to positive psychology and how to create lasting goals.”

This summer, she’s also launching a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) program, providing non-drug treatment for sleep issues — a common but overlooked issue in aging.

“Good sleep is essential for brain health, mood and physical health,” Dotson says. “This program will give people tools they can use for the rest of their lives.”

Geriatric specialists know what aging adults need

Despite the many tools available to support healthy aging, access to geriatric care remains limited.

“In an ideal world, every older adult would have access to a geriatric-focused team,” Dotson says. “That means a primary care provider, a therapist and perhaps a physical therapist who all understand aging. But the reality is, we don’t have enough geriatric specialists to meet the need.”

She still encourages people to seek out aging-focused care when they can.

“A geriatric provider understands how to tailor care to your goals, whether you need intensive treatment or a comfort-focused approach. They also know how to manage medications to avoid harmful interactions, support cognition and prevent falls.” 

Another key recommendation? Keep moving.

“There are great older adult exercise programs in Seattle,” she says. "Movement — even if it looks different than it used to — is critical for health and independence.” 

Aging gracefully starts with acknowledging challenges

The emotional and psychological shifts we experience when aging can be as profound as the physical changes.

“Unfortunately, I do find that the patients I work with frequently deal with the negative stereotypes of aging,” says Dotson. “I often hear how difficult aging can be, both physically and mentally. I find that a lot of individuals feel very stuck when the abilities they had in the past begin to fade. They have a hard time shifting their focus to what they can do in the present.”

She says it is essential to acknowledge how many difficult circumstances occur within her patient population, such as loss, grief, social isolation, physical limitations, cognitive impairment and lack of support from others. But she stresses that acknowledging these challenges is a step toward gerotranscendence.

“Aging brings so many transitions. Giving yourself grace can help you navigate those transitions with resilience.”

Learn more and find a provider

If you’d like to connect with a geriatric specialist, the experts at the Swedish Center for Healthy Aging can help. Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician. You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.

Information for patients and visitors

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This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions. 

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