Just like physical health, psychological wellbeing is an important part of a rich, fulfilling life. Later life can be a time of wisdom and new opportunities – but it can also bring profound change and challenges: health issues, retirement, the loss of loved ones, or shifts in social roles can all impact how we feel. These challenges are real, but their impacts are treatable.
With the right support, your later years can become a time of reflection, renewal, and growth. This article explores the types of psychological therapies available for older people, how they can help, and why it’s never too late to improve your wellbeing.
Mental health matters for older people
Australia’s population is growing – and ageing. In 2020, roughly 4.2 million Australians were aged 65 or over. This is projected to climb to 6.6 million by 2041.
Despite living longer (and generally healthier) lives, older Aussies face mental health challenges. Of those aged 65 and over, around 8% of men and 11% of women experienced a mental health condition in the last twelve months.
When it comes to depression or anxiety, an estimated 10-15% of older people experience at least one of these conditions.
For those in aged care facilities, the numbers are even more concerning. In 2019 (before COVID-19), 87% were living with at least one psychological or behavioural condition, and 49% were experiencing depression. Post-COVID-19, experts agree these figures have risen.
As for the factors influencing this prevalence, older people often face unique challenges and risks to wellbeing. Loneliness, grief, cognitive decline, and illnesses can all contribute to anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
Yet older people are often less likely than younger people to seek professional mental health help. This can be due to stigma, generational attitudes towards mental health, or beliefs such as “it’s too late to change.”
The truth? It’s never too late. At Solasta, we firmly believe that age is just a number when it comes to improving well-being and quality of life.
How therapy can help older people
Psychological therapy provides a safe, supportive space to work through life’s complexities. Whether it’s managing stress, coping with grief, adjusting to physical limitations, or overcoming unwanted thoughts and behaviour, therapy offers practical tools and emotional support.
But therapy is not just about addressing problems – it’s about enhancing quality of life. Research shows that psychological therapy can improve resilience, mood, self-worth, sense of meaning, and independence, helping older people approach their later years with greater confidence and joy.
Types of psychological therapy for older people
At Solasta, we use evidence-based therapies tailored to each person’s needs. Some of the most effective approaches for older people include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used therapies in psychology. It is highly structured and interactive, focusing on identifying and reframing unhelpful thinking patterns that can fuel anxiety or depression.
An older person who has had to stop driving might think, “I’m useless now”. By supporting them to develop a more balanced view, CBT helps them challenge and replace negative thoughts with ones that are more balanced and helpful. Reframed, that thought may look like, “I can still do many things and find new ways to get around”.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for older people
CBT is highly adaptable. To better support older people experiencing cognitive changes, a psychologist may provide information in multiple formats. They may also simplify and repeat information to help the client remember it. Family or caregivers may also be included to support the client with activities between sessions.
Positive psychology principles can be used in CBT. For example, focusing on strengths, wisdom, and positive emotions can enhance treatment outcomes and combat negative attitudes towards aging.
Studies show CBT is highly effective in achieving positive outcomes for older people experiencing depression and/or anxiety. Importantly, these outcomes are often long-lasting.
Interpersonal Therapy
What is Interpersonal Therapy?
Later life often brings significant changes such as retirement, bereavement, or caring responsibilities that impact mental health and wellbeing.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) helps individuals improve communication and relationships by focusing on four key areas: grief, role disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits.
Strong relationships with friends and family create a better quality of life and a sense of belonging. One study even found that strong social bonds improve health and increase life expectancy. This is where the true value of IPT lies for older people.
Interpersonal Therapy for older people
IPT is another highly adaptable therapy: as a rule, its content is informed by the individual’s unique context and goals. Issues related to relationships, like loneliness, questioning meaning and purpose, and navigating life without a partner, are common challenges faced by older people.
Family and caregivers can be involved in IPT sessions which may provide opportunities for connection and relationship strengthening.
Lastly, IPT is a structured and time-limited therapy. This can be beneficial for older people experiencing reduced attention spans or fatigue. Information and strategies can also be simplified, summarised, and repeated to assist with retention.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps build psychological flexibility the ability to accept difficult thoughts and emotions while pursuing a life guided by personal values. Instead of trying to eliminate discomfort, individuals learn to respond to it in more adaptive ways.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for older people
ACT has been shown to improve mood, self-confidence, hopefulness, social connection, and overall wellbeing, particularly in those experiencing depression, anxiety, or chronic pain.
Beyond one-on-one settings, ACT is an effective group or online treatment, which may make it more accessible for older people.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy?
By teaching emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance, communication skills, and mindfulness techniques, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) helps individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
A core principle of DBT is that two things can be true at once: that acceptance of current situations is just as important as the need for positive change. This approach fosters acceptance of the self while supporting progress towards goals.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for older people
DBT is particularly useful for managing intense emotions, which can arise during major life transitions. DBT equips individuals with the skills to understand, navigate, redirect, and cope with intense emotions.
Research shows that DBT is an effective treatment for older people living with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and/or personality disorders. It can work well in group settings and online, too.
Schema Therapy
What is Schema Therapy?
Schema Therapy focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that often begin in childhood. In Schema Therapy, these are referred to as ‘early maladaptive schemas’.
Combining elements of CBT, attachment theory, and experiential techniques, Schema Therapy helps clients recognise schemas, understand their origins, and learn new and healthier ways of responding.
Schema Therapy for older people
Early maladaptive schemas may relate to themes of abandonment, failure, mistrust, or dependence. Individuals who have lived long lives without shifting these schemas may find them triggered or intensified by sudden or distressing changes.
Schema therapy can be adapted to focus on areas beneficial for older people. For example, a psychologist may support the individual to review their life, find new meaning, strengthen self-compassion, repair or strengthen relationships, and build coping strategies.
Mindfulness
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment with openness and curiosity. This helps to reduce thought spirals and increase self-awareness.
Many researchers have examined mindfulness. Findings show improvements in emotional wellbeing, sleep quality, and even cognitive function. It also fosters acceptance, helping people adapt to change while maintaining a sense of peace and purpose.
Mindfulness for older people
Mindfulness can be especially beneficial in managing the unique challenges of later life, such as chronic pain, changes in mobility, loss of independence, or grief. Noticing thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them can support older people to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
When supporting older people, a psychologist can adapt mindfulness practices. For those with limited mobility, meditation can be undertaken while seated in a chair with back support, or while lying down. Sessions can be short and frequent to accommodate reduced attention spans or fatigue. Guided meditations with simplified language can also help those experiencing sensory or cognitive changes.
Psychologists for older people in Adelaide
At Solasta, our team of highly trained clinicians supports older people to navigate a range of challenges and conditions. We take care to match each client with a clinician whose experience aligns with their needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
With two convenient locations in Klemzig and Christies Beach, our therapy and psychology services are easily accessible for individuals across Adelaide.
About the author
Madeline Rac, Registered Psychologist
Madeline is a dedicated Psychologist, having earned her Master of Professional Psychology from Flinders University in 2023. She takes a compassionate approach when working with older people facing a broad spectrum of challenges.
Drawing upon evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, and mindfulness, and Cognitive Processing Therapy, Madeline tailors her methods to suit individual needs.