Geropsychology

This is why I am completing another degree - with grace and hard work, maybe I can assist the effort being undertaken at this end of the human developmental spectrum, one day.

The current status of clinical geropsychology in Australia: A survey of practising psychologists

DEBORAH ANNE KODER & EDWARD HELMES Australian Psychologist, March 2008; 43(1): 22 – 26

Abstract

Little recent objective evidence exists to qualify past concerns regarding the low numbers of psychologists working with older adults in Australia. The present study reports on figures from two surveys of Australian psychologists, finding that of the 1,699 psychologists surveyed, only 6% specialise in treating older adults. This figure is comparable to those from studies conducted overseas, where more training and employment opportunities are available. Reasons for such low figures are explored together with recommendations to meet the future demand for psychological services as the proportion of elderly adults within the Australian population increases.

From the conclusion:

'The challenge for clinical psychology is to provide quality opportunities (within training and employment) for clinical exposure to older adults as well as to promote their services within both referring agents and the client group themselves.'

Let's see if that doesn't keep me focussed on developing a Working with the Elderly component of the MUPS Volunteer Program. :)