ABSTRACT
There are challenges and opportunities in relation to the future of mental health care for older people, given the global picture of ageing; this may impact upon service provision within mental health as well as all aspects of therapeutic or mental health intervention. Clinicians need to be aware of their own values and views about older adults and how these may influence their perception and expectations relating to older adults. The importance of actively involving service users in the design, auditing and evaluation of services is being increasingly recognised as not only a professional and ethical requirement but also as a positive addition to ensuring that services are appropriate, accessible and meaningful. Additional champions to advocate for the rights of older adults at every level, within organisations, commissioning groups, health and social care services and within communities, to influence strategy and policy and to challenge stereotypes about older people has been suggested. This would enable older people’s voices to be heard more clearly and lead to older adults being valued, treated fairly and also to receive the right type of support that meets their needs.
