Psychology and Its Contributions to the Health and Well Being of Older Adults

What is psychology?

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience - from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for older adults. From scientific research centers to mental health care services, the understanding of behavior is the enterprise of psychologists. Psychology is unique among the health care professions in that it is both a scientifically grounded academic discipline and a service-oriented health care profession.

What do psychologists do?

Psychologists provide health care services, through general and specialty practice, in a wide variety of settings with a diverse population of individuals. Much of the work of psychologists focuses on the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental and behavioral health disorders. As experts in human behavior, psychologists serve a distinctive role in the promotion of health and the prevention of disorders. Psychologists have developed prevention, treatment and management programs for some of our nation's most significant public health problems, including substance abuse, depression, HIV/AIDS, suicide, dementia, and violence.

How do psychologists improve public health?

Six of the ten leading causes of death, as reported by the CDC in 2000 have a behavioral component (e.g., heart disease, cancer, and stroke). It is therefore imperative for physicians to work with other health professionals who have expertise in mental and behavioral health. Data shows that approximately 70% of all primary care visits are driven by psychological factors (e.g., panic, generalized anxiety, major depression, somatization, stress, and adjustment disorders). Research shows that many health professionals are not adequately trained to assess and treat behaviorally based and psychosocial problems.

Psychologists are trained to provide a variety of services, including prevention, assessment, consultation and intervention. These services can improve an individual's physical health and quality of life, as well as promote behavior that often slows the progress of disease. In addition, the provision of psychological services can reduce medical utilization and overall health care costs.

How do psychologists contribute to the health and well being of older adults?

It is estimated that approximately 15,000 psychologists are currently providing health care services to older adults. Psychologists apply the knowledge and techniques of their discipline to a variety of biopsychosocial issues encountered by older adults, including biological changes, bereavement, dementia, depression, medication compliance, incontinence, marital/family/social stressors, and problems in daily living. Psychologists have specialized training and skills to assess and differentiate between cognitive, emotional, functional and behavioral disorders and are often called upon to assess a person's competence to make medical or legal decisions.

Psychologists provide services to older adults both independently and as members of interdisciplinary teams. As team members, psychologists work with professionals from a variety of disciplines to coordinate the assessment and interventions provided to older adults in order to offer more organized, consistent and comprehensive health care. Whether provided independently or as part of an interdisciplinary team, psychological interventions have been found to be effective in strengthening coping mechanisms, encouraging adherence to medical regimens, managing health problems and increasing behaviors that promote health.

American Psychological Association, July 2003