Ageing and Older Adult Mental Health ─ Issues and Implications for Practice

This book examines the issues and implications that mental health professionals face when dealing with ageing and older adults. The book focuses on the biological, psychological and cultural influences that impact on the work of mental health practitioners who work with this client group.

Based on current empirical research and evidence-based practical issues this book explores topics including:


ageing and dementia
elder abuse
caring for older adults
depression and ageing
the paradox of ageing
how older adults are key to the success of future generations.


Throughout the book the contributors emphasise the notion of ‘healthy ageing,' and the importance and significance of this concept as part of the life-cycle process. As such Ageing and Older Adult Mental Health will be key reading not only for mental health professionals, but also for those involved in policy making for older adults.

Patrick Ryan is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology at the University of Limerick, Ireland. He has been involved in the training of clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors for ten years with a particular interest in the area of lifespan development and its contribution to understanding family relations.
Barry J. Coughlan is Senior Lecturer and Assistant Director of Clinical Psychology at the University of Limerick, and Senior Clinical Psychologist with the Brothers of Charity Services, Limerick, Ireland. His clinical/research focus includes mental health and emotional well-being in intellectual disability, ageing and disability. He holds an international publications profile and is in regular demand for international workshops and symposia in his field.

Ryan, O’Rourke, Ward, Aherne, Ageing: Historical and Current Perspectives. Flynn, Ryan, The Biology of Ageing: What Works, What Slows, What Stops? Lalor, Ryan, Ageism: Myth or Fact? O’Connell-Kehoe, Coughlan, Assessment of Mental Health Issues: Approaches and Frameworks. Dempsey, Coughlan, Treatment of Mental Health Issues: Reality versus Best Practice. O’Reilly, Lavin, Coughlan, Ageing and Dementia: Assessment and Intervention. Ryan, Coughlan, Shahid, Aherne, Older Adults' Experience of Loss, Bereavement and Grief. O’Donoghue, Ryan, Depression and Ageing: Assessment and Intervention. Smith, Elder Abuse: Understanding Pathways and Processes. Smith, Long, Elder Abuse: What Works and Does Not Work to Prevent it? Barker, Ageing and Attachment. Ryan, Dudley, MacMahon, Feeney, Bonham, Ageing, Relationships and Sexuality. Ryan, Wroblewska, Caring for Older Adults: Who Cares and Does Not? Greve, Ryan, Aherne, The Paradox of Ageing: Why Do Older People Look So Happy When They Have Nothing To Look Forward To? Ryan, O’Sullivan, Smyth, Older Adults: Key to the Success of Younger Generations.