APPROPRIATE PSYCHOLOGICAL
INTERVENTIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS


American Psychological Association

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Authors

Why Practitioners Need Information

Demographic Realities

Myths About Older Adults

Realities of Aging

Psychological Problems of Aging

Assessment of Older Adults

Psychological Intervention

Professional Concerns

Conclusion

Professional Resources

Bibliography

Research indicates that psychological interventions that historically have been provided to younger and middle-aged adults are also effective for older adults. Many psychologists, therefore, possess therapeutic skills that could be beneficial to older adults with psychological difficulties. However, knowledge of the unique problems of late life and of the needed adaptation of psychological interventions for older adults will maximize the effectiveness of those therapeutic skills in this age group. Below are discussed general principles for conducting psychological interventions, the more common and appropriate interventions, and other useful interventions.

What Are General Principles For Conducting Psychological Interventions With Older Adults?

What Psychological Interventions Are Appropriate For Older Adults?

What Other Interventions May Be Useful For Older Adults?

What Adaptations Of Psychological Interventions Are Required For Older Adults?

How Does Delivery Of Psychological Services To Older People Differ According To The Setting WHere the Older Person Receives Them?

What Other Roles Can Psychologists Play To Improve The Psychological Well-Being of Older Adults?