P73: Clinical Psychology of Ageing: The Italian Manifesto

Abstract

Objective:

By 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over (World Health Organization, 2022). This Manifesto is the result of the work undertaken by the Task Force of the Italian Association of Psychology working in the field of Clinical Psychology of Ageing. There is a general belief that older people do not benefit from psychological interventions, due to the prejudice that they may be less psychologically flexible or unable to change and/or improve their functioning. However, current evidence suggests that psychological interventions, including both more and less structured ones, are equally effective for older and working-age adults. Therefore, the aim of this Manifesto was to highlight the specific role of the Clinical Psychology in enabling older adults to overcome the multiple challenges associated with the ageing process and disease-related issues.

Methods:

We reviewed existing empirical and conceptual literature on main issues in clinical work with older adults.

Results:

We identified and thoroughly described areas of major interest, such as theoretical models on how we think, feel and act towards age and ageism; prevention of emotional distress and cognitive decline and promotion of older adults’ psychological health in community; multidimensional assessment and evidence-based psychological interventions, also mediated by technology, for healthy older adults and those living with chronic disease such as dementia. Attention to psychological issues related to informal and formal caregiving, as well as the need for education, training and public engagement will be highlighted.

Conclusion:

With a population living longer worldwide, it is essential to introduce and formalize initiatives to reduce health inequities and improve the lives of older people and their families. This should take place in communities able to foster the abilities of older people, while providing them with access to quality long-term care, if needed.