Ageing Wisely is a suite of psychological treatment programs that teach older adults living in the community cognitive behavioural therapy skills to manage anxiety and depression. This program teaches older adults (aged 60 years +) how to manage these feelings by learning to change the way they think, and the behaviours that maintain low mood and anxiety.  

The Ageing Wisely program was developed by our team at Macquarie University and has more than 15 years of research showing its effectiveness for reducing anxiety and depression in older adults living in the community. It can be implemented by mental health professionals with individual clients, in small groups, or with brief support calls to support use of the online version or work-at-home workbook. 

Topics covered in the Ageing Wisely programs include: 

• Causes and symptoms of anxiety and depression 

• Managing anxious and depressed thoughts 

• Increasing activity levels and reducing avoidance 

• Problem solving 

• Reducing sleeping difficulties 

• Improving relationships 

All professionals delivering Ageing Wisely are encouraged to complete the online training. The training includes videos, skill demonstrations, and a multiple-choice knowledge quiz. 

Ageing Wisely eTraining

Preference is that professionals have some mental health training and understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques. The eTraining includes one-year access to the eTraining course and an Ageing Wisely therapist kit containing a copy of the therapist manual and a copy of either the individual or group therapy client workbook. Copies of the supported self-help workbook or logins for the online program are sold separately.

Further details on the training and accreditation process can be found here.

Ageing Wisely at Macquarie University

Ageing Wisely is offered to clients at the Emotional Health Clinic in Sydney, Australia. We offer both in-person and telehealth options. Further information on our clinic services can be found here.