Mental Health of Older Adults
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Document Type
Contribution to a Book
Publication Title
Cara and MacRae’s Psychosocial Occupational Therapy: An Evolving Practice, Fourth Edition
DOI
10.4324/9781003522805-17
First Page
225
Last Page
241
Abstract
This chapter, while focusing on mental health issues that affect aging individuals, also addresses the health of the older adult from a broader perspective. The interdependence of context with physical and mental health is even more pronounced in the elderly population than in the general population. Furthermore, as discussed throughout this chapter, there are several external factors that confound the ability to address psychiatric or psychological problems of this age group. Many occupational therapists have long held the belief that the medical model is insufficient to meet all of the health-related needs of the world’s population. Nowhere is that more evident than in meeting the needs of the older adult. The health conditions of this population are more likely to be of a chronic nature. Many individuals have multiple medical problems that, when combined with changes that occur in the normal aging process and further superimposed with mental health issues, present a complicated case for assessment and intervention. As will be shown in this chapter, the mental and physical health of the older population is explicitly contingent on physical, social, and personal contexts. The medical profession has attempted to address the specific issues of aging with the development of specialties in geriatric medicine and psychiatry. The American Psychological Association (2014) has published a document, “Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults,” that addresses attitudes, general knowledge about adult development, aging and older adults, clinical issues related to aging and psychopathology, assessment and intervention, and the need for ongoing education with respect to working with older adults with mental health issues. The guidelines stress that an interdisciplinary, coordinated-care approach is essential in the treatment of this older population to ensure the most effective care.
Department
Occupational Therapy
Recommended Citation
Jerilyn Smith Gigi and Anne MacRae. "Mental Health of Older Adults" Cara and MacRae’s Psychosocial Occupational Therapy: An Evolving Practice, Fourth Edition (2024): 225-241. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003522805-17
