WHAT ARE LARGER ROLES THAT THE PSYCHOLOGIST WITH A PROFESSIONAL INTEREST IN OLDER ADULTS CAN PLAY?
American Psychological Association
Table of Contents
Why Practitioners Need Information
- Education. Psychologists can educate other professionals about the facts regarding normal aging, problems that some older adults encounter, and psychological interventions to address those problems. Educational efforts take place in a range of settings including the traditional classroom, institutional settings, continuing education offerings, professional meetings, media appearances, and during consultations or informal discussions with individual colleagues. There are also many opportunities for the education of family members, who provide 80 percent of all long-term care.
- Advocacy. Psychologists may engage in a wide variety of advocacy efforts on behalf of older adults, especially those in need of mental health services. The focus of these activities may be directed at public policy on the local, state, or national level or in concert with the activities of professional organizations concerned with the social and emotional well-being of older people. The psychologist should respond to notices of proposed changes in mental health laws and rule making.
- Research. Providing psychological services to older adults may present unique opportunities to initiate research studies or collaborate with those for whom research is their primary professional focus.
