What Psychotherapy Do Centenarians Need?

Bahn, Geon Ho

Abstract

The life expectancy of human beings exceeds 80 years in Korea. Due to the low birth-rate, the proportion of aged individuals, including centenarians (aged 100 years and above), is increasing rapidly. While the life span increases, the available socioeconomic and psychological support system for the elderly is not adequate. Developmental milestones for such aged individuals have yet to be established. The most formidable physical challenge of the elderly is cognitive deficit, such as dementia, due to deterioration of the brain. The elderly suffer from psychological ailments, especially depression and suicide. On the other hand, although centenarians comprise a very old age group, they live long without suffering from illness. Even a few late nonagenarians are healthier than early nonagenarians. Although physical and mental symptoms can be handled with medications, we need additional interventions to enhance mental health, such as psychotherapy and lessons from centenarians. Performance in developmental tasks during psychotherapy is an important criterion for mental health assessment. Therefore, the authors reviewed emotional, behavioral, and lifestyle patterns of centenarians to design appropriate developmental tasks. Common health tips for centenarians include "stay active, interact with relatives, and follow a balanced diet." The major difference in psychotherapy between the elderly and the younger population is the multigenerational transference. The most difficult concern in the psychotherapy of the elderly, compared with younger individuals, is coping with death. Sex imbalance-more women than men-is a unique phenomenon that should be addressed in psychotherapy.