2030 - Understanding Ourselves and Those We Love: Emotional Health and Connections in Later Life
In-Person Course | Registration opens 9/8/2026 10:00 AM EDT
At every stage of life, we are called on to understand ourselves and those we love in new ways. Later years often bring fresh questions – about identity, relationships, health and emotional well-being. In four sessions, this course offers practical tools, shared conversation and compassionate insight for navigating those changes with confidence and care:
- Understanding ADHD and Autism at Any Age: Have you recently learned that you or someone you love might have ADHD or autism? Using simple language and group conversations, you will learn how these traits show up in daily life; find easy tools to reduce frustration; get practical tips for talking with doctors and family; and discover the strengths that can accompany different types of brains.
- Embracing and Supporting the Identities of Those We Love: This interactive session will teach skills to support a family member who is transgender or gender-diverse, whether a grandchild exploring their identity, an adult child coming out or a partner transitioning later in life. Using real-life scenarios, you will learn to listen without trying to fix, set caring boundaries without rejecting and understand hidden struggles.
- A Compassionate Guide to Anxiety As We Age: Whether you are dealing with constant worry, sleep disruption or physical symptoms, this session will help you understand the issues of anxiety after age 50. Through simple tracking and in-class practice, you will learn to recognize patterns, apply calming techniques and understand when to seek professional help.
- Intimacy and Connection in Later Life: This practical class will help you discover new paths to affection and closeness. Using gentle self-reflection, you will explore how aging affects intimacy, clarify personal preferences and boundaries, and discover low-pressure ways to nurture connections.
This course will be offered in-person at George Mason University.
Sonia Syed Rehman
Sonia Syed Rehman is a licensed clinical psychologist and lifespan neuropsychologist at Brain Care Clinic in Arlington, Virginia. She has worked with all ages across diverse clinical settings and has published on topics such as loneliness in older adults, sleep, depression and cognitive functioning. Her work in diversity and neuropsychology has earned national awards.