Are Attitudes To Ageing and Wisdom Enhancement Legitimate Targets For CBT For Late Life Depression and Anxiety?

This paper provides a brief overview of demographic change and suggests that as people are living longer and healthier than previous generations, there is a need to consider how well psychotherapy models are suited to the new generation of elders. The paper also outlines the use of gerontological therapies as vehicles for change to enhance treatment outcome for CBT for late life depression and anxiety. In particular ageing experience and attitude is seen through the lens of a stress-diathesis and wisdom enhancement is considered as a legitimate target in the treatment of late life depression and anxiety.