Ask an Expert: Q&A on Trauma and Aging With Dr. Lenore A. Tate

December 18, 2025

Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Lenore A. Tate, based in Sacramento, specializes in trauma-informed care and its lasting effects on individuals and communities. She explains that trauma manifests in three forms—psychological, physical, and collective—and emphasizes how unresolved trauma can appear as bodily ailments like cardiovascular issues, digestive problems, and accelerated aging.

Who is affected

Individuals, families, and communities experiencing trauma
African Americans (specifically mentioned regarding inadequate pain treatment and collective trauma)
Seniors/aging populations (experiencing increased substance use mortality and loss of social connections)
People experiencing abuse, violence, accidents, natural disasters, loss, or prolonged stress
Groups affected by war, displacement, and systemic oppression
Patients seeking mental health care

What action is being taken

Dr. Tate is providing culturally competent, trauma-informed care
Employers are offering mental health coverage and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with free counseling
Healing circles are being established for the Black community
Barbers and hairdressers are receiving mental health training
The mental health field is recognizing and incorporating cultural lenses in treatment

Why it matters

Trauma has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond immediate psychological effects, manifesting as serious physical health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, and cognitive decline. The connection between unresolved trauma and substance use is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, with fentanyl mortality rates among seniors increasing 400% over the past two decades. Belongingness and social connection serve as primary protective factors against mental health disorders, making community and purposeful engagement essential for well-being, especially as people age and their social networks naturally narrow.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint