Marvin Tolkin. Photo courtesy of the New York Times.

Marvin Tolkin, 86, a retired clothing manufacturer, was grappling with a lot of issues late in life.

Although remarried, he still thought about the sudden death of his first wife and a failed business partnership and worried about his children and grandchildren. He was plagued with migraines.

So four years ago Tolkin decided to get therapy and he said the results were very worthwhile. ”Everybody needs help, and everybody makes mistakes,” he said. “I needed to reach outside my own capabilities.”

This article in the New York Times says Tolkin is one of many seniors who are seeking mental health services later in life. Some are going because there is less stigma about mental health problems while others realize their golden years will be brighter if they deal with issues that have bothered them sometimes for decades.

New York clinical social worker Judith Repetur, MSW, works almost exclusively with clients who are elderly. She said many of them are seeking help for the first time.

“It’s never too late, if someone has never dealt with issues,” she said. ”A combination of stresses late in life can bring up problems that weren’t resolved.”

Social workers help the elderly achieve a better quality of life. They also help people overcome mental health issues, including depression, eating disorders and grief and loss. To learn more visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Seniors and Aging and Mind and Spirit websites.