CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING

The course aims to prepare future clinical psychologists to face the challenges posed by longer life expectancy and the demographic trends of the Italian population, focusing on the neurocognitive, emotional, and affective-relational changes of old age, the processes related to physiological and pathological aging, and the corresponding interventions to support active longevity and successful aging. The impact of chronic diseases and psychological risk or protective factors on the trajectories of aging and on neuropsychological, emotional, and functional functioning in the "frail" elderly or those at risk of frailty will be examined, in line with the principles of multidimensional assessment and, therefore, intervention.

The goal is to provide methodological and practical tools for the clinical management of elderly patients, with particular attention to identifying indicators of psychological frailty that may affect the well-being of older individuals. The course also involves acquiring the main quantitative and qualitative methods for the early detection of cognitive decline signs and the development of evidence-based intervention projects.

At the end of the course, the student will: gain the necessary knowledge to work in the field of clinical psychology of aging and the skills related to specific assessments and interventions. They will have developed an understanding of the various topics covered in the lessons and will understand the connection between theoretical approaches, research results, assessment tools, and intervention planning for elderly individuals and their caregivers. Additionally, the student will acquire skills to intervene with specific psychological-clinical tools in promoting active aging and apply specific prevention, diagnosis, and intervention strategies in various care settings.

The course aims to present an overview of the most relevant psychological perspectives on aging. Drawing on the latest international research on neurocognitive, emotional, and social changes in aging, the course will focus on interventions supporting active longevity and successful aging. Theoretical and methodological topics related to the assessment and management of frailty in the elderly will also be addressed, exploring its physical, cognitive, and social domains, as well as the onset of neurodegenerative diseases in various forms of functional and cognitive decline. The importance of multidimensional assessment in the elderly and the role of the clinical psychologist in the care and management of elderly patients will be explored, within a bio-psycho-social perspective.

"Contribution of the course to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development"

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third the premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.

The evaluation will consist of an oral interview. It will be a moment of evaluation of the learning process and an individual exchange with the instructor. It is expected that students master the subject, recognize the interconnections between the different topics, and demonstrate the ability to organize technical knowledge in relation to specific objectives.

The assessment criteria are based on:

• Mastery of the main models and theoretical approaches of clinical psychology of aging;

• Clarity in presenting the content of the course;

• Competence in using specialized terminology.

• Theories of aging
• Difference between brain reserve and cognitive reserve
• The concept of "intrinsic capacity"
• Sensory changes in the elderly
• Attenzional performances in aging
• Frontal theory of aging
• Memory and emotions
• Peculiarities of memory impairment in the elderly
• Definition and models of frailty
• Classification and characterization of dementias
• Emotional regulation in aging
• Theories of successful aging
• Depression in the elderly
• Anxiety disorders in the elderly
• Visuo-spatial impairment in aging
• Pain and older adults
• Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) and their management