Macquarie University’s Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing has developed a program to help older Australians who are in need of mental health support.
Ageing Wisely Online encourages older people to follow self-directed treatment through the program over the course of 10 weeks (they can also complete offline through a workbook).
A 15-minute weekly phone consultation with a mental health clinician is included.
And the program has short videos featuring a couple of voices you might find familiar.
Actors Noeline Brown and Gregory Ross both play roles in the video. Brown was a mainstay on numerous shows in the 60s and 70s including The Naked Vicar Show and Graham Kennedy’s Blankety Blanks, while Ross is well known for his roles in Cop Shop and Prisoner in the 70s.
The 81-year-old Brown says she’s delighted to be a part of the program.
“You’ve got to tend your friends like a garden. Send an email. Phone people. It takes work – especially during COVID-19 when you can’t just go out and have a cup of coffee but it’s worth keeping those friendships going,” she said.
The program is still in its trial phase but feedback has already been positive, according to Macquarie University’s Professor Viviana Wuthrich.
“This is not an issue that we’re dealing with adequately as a society,” she says.
“Older adults in Australia have the least access to mental health treatment of any age group.”
A worthy initiative – you can find out more here.
