Jodi Gardner: Growing Older Doesn’t Mean Growing Invisible

When we think about mental health, older adults are often left out of the conversation.

Yet they may be carrying a lifetime of grief, caregiving, health challenges, trauma, and life transitions—while growing up in a generation that was taught to keep those struggles to themselves.

In this episode of Glow For Hope: Sparking Conversation on Mental Health, Kelly Poelker welcomes Jodi Gardner, Executive Director of the St. Clair County Mental Health Board, for a conversation about why purpose doesn't retire, why isolation can quietly become one of the greatest threats to mental wellness, and how each of us can help ensure the older adults in our lives never feel forgotten.

Whether you're an older adult yourself, caring for aging parents, or simply looking to build stronger connections across generations, this conversation offers wisdom that extends far beyond growing older.

What You'll Learn
Why older adult mental health deserves more attention
The emotional impact of grief, chronic illness, and life transitions
How caregiving affects both caregivers and those receiving care
Why isolation is one of the greatest threats to emotional wellbeing
How purpose influences mental health throughout life
Ways families can better support aging loved ones
The importance of including older adults in important decisions
Mental health resources available throughout St. Clair County
The role of the St. Clair County Mental Health Board
Why asking for help is never a sign of weakness

Resources Mentioned
St. Clair County Mental Health Board
Programs and Services for Older Persons (PSOP)
Older Adult & Caregiver Counseling Program
Memorial Senior Counseling Services
Heartlinks Grief Center
Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois
Southwestern Illinois Visiting Nurse Association
St. Clair County Suicide Prevention Alliance
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline