Background
Clinical depression among older adults is unfortunately common, affecting about 6 million Americans aged 65 and above. This mood disorder often co-occurs with anxiety symptoms, elevates the risk of suicide, and adversely affects seniors’ quality of life, productivity, and social and family relations. Although effective treatment is available for late-life depression, only about 10% of affected individuals receive formal care. Therefore, novel approaches are needed to expand the reach and access of evidence-based programs providing support and psychoeducation to older adults both with and at risk for depression.
Mood Lifters is a paraprofessionally administered, community-based program to improve participants’ mental well-being. The 15-week group program draws from proven psychotherapies (including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and positive psychology) to teach techniques across five domains key to mental health: sleep, cognition, emotional regulation, social processes, and behavior. In this project, our interdisciplinary team (led by a clinical geropsychologist, geriatric psychiatrist, and specialist in adult development and aging) will adapt the existing Mood Lifters program to tailor it to the specific needs of older adults; the adaptation will focus on issues including the transition to retirement, coping with increased health challenges, and loneliness/social isolation.
Study Aims
By obtaining feedback from prior program participants and individuals pilot testing a modified program, we aim to create a version of Mood Lifters that will prove feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for use with seniors. Completion of the study aims will yield a scalable program that could be widely disseminated (e.g., via senior centers and senior living communities) to the millions of older adults who could benefit from improved mood and overall mental health.
Funding Source
University of Michigan MCubed program (September 2019 to May 2021).
Key Personnel
Scott Roberts, PhD, Principal Investigator
Cathleen Connell, PhD, Co-Investigator
Susan Maixner, MD, Co-Investigator
Rebecca Ferber, MPH, Project Manager
Courtney Funk, MPH, Student Intern
Publications
Roberts JS, Ferber RA, Funk CN, et al. Mood Lifters for Seniors: Development and Evaluation of an Online, Peer-Led Mental Health Program for Older Adults. Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine. 2022;8. PDF.
Roberts Research Group 