POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY APPROACH FOR WORKING WITH OLDER ADULTS - Evidence-based techniques for health professionals to assist in decreasing depressive symptoms and increase well-being in older patients.

Focusing on the negatives in life is a hallmark characteristic of depression that reduces subjective wellbeing in people of all ages. By contrast, expanding this problem-centered focus to one that also includes a person’s strengths, and the things that are going well in their life, reduces depressive symptoms for the individual and increases their subjective wellbeing.  Positive psychology is a strength-based, well-researched branch of psychology (i.e. it is not positive thinking) that provides strategies to catalyze such a shift in focus.

 Numerous studies over the last few years have shown that positive psychology interventions significantly reduce depressive symptoms in and increase wellbeing in older adults. The research results, coupled with the ease of application of positive psychology strategies, place positive psychology interventions in a prime position to be used by a broad range of health professionals and allied health professionals working with older adults.

This session will look at the practical application of evidence-based positive psychology interventions with older adults, including the use of signature strengths, savouring, autobiographical memory, gratitude, and forgiveness. The session will include audio-visual material and practical examples. Participants are also   encouraged to practice techniques. Throughout the sessions, there will be time for questions of how positive psychology techniques can be incorporated into participants’ practice.

“Positive psychology provides useful and evidence-based strategies to help older adults widen their focus from being problem-centred to include their personal strengths and aspects that go well in their lives.”  Renata Porzig-Drummond

Feedback form Renata’s recent presentations to health professionals:

“Renata’s enthusiasm, attention to detail, going over and beyond expectations made it an absolute pleasure.”

“The enthusiasm, knowledge on this subject and in general, and engaging teaching ability to teach made this an enjoyable and valuable training. Thank you!”

“Renata’s enthusiasm makes such a difference to the training. She is a very knowledgeable and positive trainer.”

“Renata was very encouraging of us to ask questions and engaging with her in a way that knowledge was fantastic and contributed to everyone’s learning. She was approachable and fair. Just great!”

“Renata’s knowledge and experience is impressive! She was well prepared, approachable and helpful throughout.”

“A very interesting topic – Renata was so helpful in terms of information and responding to questions.

Renata answered questions and managed the room skilfully. She created a wonderful learning environment and I learned so much to take into my practice.”