The Geropsychology Podcast is an educational resource on all things gero-related. Listen to experts in the field talk about issues related to mental health and aging, geropsychology education, careers in geropsychology, long-term care, hospice and palliative care, caregiving, and much more.

Geropsychology on an International Stage

In this episode, Dr. Nancy Pachana joins me to talk about clinical geropsychology on an international stage. Her wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for this topic will pique your interest and inspire you to consider geropsychology on a global level in your clinical, scholarly, and professional endeavors. Dr. Pachana has also graciously extended an invitation for individuals to contact her if they have an interest in this area and are seeking mentorship. Email Dr. Pachana at n.pachana@psy.uq.edu.au.

Dr. Nancy A. Pachana is a clinical geropsychologist and professor in the School of Psychology at The University of Queensland (UQ), and is co-director of the UQ Ageing Mind Initiative, providing a focal point for clinical, translational ageing-related research. She has an international reputation in the area of geriatric mental health, particularly late-life anxiety and driving in later life. Dr. Pachana was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia in 2014. Originally from the United States, she was awarded her B.A. from Princeton University in 1987 and her Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University in 1992. She is an avid bird watcher and a keen traveler.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this episode, listeners will be able to:

1. List factors that have facilitated the specialization of geropsychology in some countries.

2. List factors that are associated with delayed movement toward the specialization of geropsychology in some countries.   

3. Describe the current state of geropsychology training across several countries.

4. Explain the importance of sharing research, clinical practices, and training initiatives on a global scale.

5. Identify ways to broaden your perspective on an international level.

For further reading on topics discussed in today’s episode:

COVID-19 Mini-Series: Psychosocial Well-Being and Interventions for Older Adults During COVID-19

Careers in Geropsychology: Geriatric Patient-Aligned Care Teams (GeriPACTs)