Two young men leave to fight, but only one comes back. Meet a Vietnam Veteran who mourns the death of his best friend. Afterwards, the hosts discuss grief, what draws people to work with older adults, and this podcast series. The following episode may contain descriptions of violence. Please use discretion.

For this episode, our co-hosts are Rachel Weiskittle, an assistant professor in the department of psychology at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Her research focuses on grief, trauma, aging, and the role of creative art therapies in helping people heal from loss. Hannah Heinz is a graduate student pursuing geropsychology at Virginia Commonwealth University interested in a career serving older adults as a therapist and researcher.

Resources for this episode:

• Understanding PTSD and Aging: English Version ; Spanish Version
• The My Life My Story Podcast
• VHA Office of Rural Health

Further Reading:

• National Center for PTSD
• VA Mental Health

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Find support anytime day or night To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:

• Call 800-273-8255, then select 1.
• Start a confidential chat.
• Text 838255.
• If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-799-4889.