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Research highlights barriers to Older People accessing talking therapy
The British Psychological Society’s Research Digest looks into new research that uncovers the hurdles and challenges of accessing psychological services as an older person. “According to Independent Age, around 75% of people aged 65+ have experienced significant anxiety or low mood. Yet older adults are also less likely to be referred to therapy; one study even found that younger adults were 80% more likely to receive therapy. This underrepresentation is also present in Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT), the NHS pathway for treatment for anxiety and depression, where older adults represent just 5.1% of referrals.
“This isn’t just because doctors overlook older people’s mental health issues, however: some people simply choose not to take up referrals. Writing in The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, Rachel Prosser and team paint a complex picture as to why older people might not access Talking Therapies — and offer suggestions on what can be done to increase take-up.”
