Valuing Older People - Positive Psychology Practice

This book examines the growing importance of positive psychology and its connection to later life.
Applies Social Role Valorisation (SVR) principles to care of older people, particularly those with seriously disabling conditions such as dementia, stroke, and multiple health problems
Provides a comprehensive body of positive principles and practical approaches for those who care for older people
Examines the impact of the devaluation of older people's lives in the context of societies dependent on technology
Demonstrates how more age-inclusive societies and open awareness of later-life issues are fundamental to strong communities, as well as to personal happiness and resilience

Now an independent writer, Elspeth Stirling practiced as a Clinical Psychologist for 28 years, specializing in work with older people in the National Health Service in the UK. She has trained in Social Role Valorization (SRV)-based service design, and run training courses for residential, nursing, social work, and clinical care staff who work with older people with dementia and other disabilities, and mental health problems.

"Elspeth Stirling's intellect, wisdom and compassionate commitment to the well being of older people shines through in this book, which skilfully weaves together social role valorisation and positive psychology to create a 'new' positive psychology of ageing. It represents a revolutionary challenge not only to Clinical Psychology and related professions, but also to the mechanisms and attitudes of Western society in general. I predict this book will come to be judged as a milestone in the literature on the psychology of ageing."
—Dr Sinclair Lough, Head of Psychology Services for Older People, Dorset PCT
"At a time when age equality is being promoted as a policy, this book provides a welcome antidote to dogma, communicating a positive psychology of ageing that is grounded equally in theory and practice. Social Role Valorization has found its champion in relation to ageing and older people in Elspeth Stirling, and may at last make its long-awaited contribution to this challenging area of human experience. Blended with insights from Cognitive Analytic Therapy and with illustrative case examples, this is a powerful, refreshing book that could change the way we see older people and ageing. Recommended for all those who work with older people."
— Bob Woods, Professor of Clinical Psychology of Older People, Bangor University, UK

List of Tables and Figures.
About the Author and Book.
1 The Psychology and Ecology of Ageing.
2 Preventive Psychology in Later Life.
3 Assessment in the New Paradigm.
4 New Paradigm Principles for Intervention.
5 Older People with Cognitive Disabilities.
6 New Paradigm Principles of Service Design.
7 Psychological Therapies with Older People.
References.
Index.