Aging & Society: Eighth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Anxiety likely affects more than a million older Australians. It is associated with other physical and mental disorders, reduced quality of life, disability, and increased healthcare utilisation. Yet the symptoms of anxiety in later life are often unrecognised and untreated. In this multi-state study, general practice nurses (GPNs) utilised a short, validated, age-appropriate screening instrument in the annual seventy-five years and older health assessment (75+ HA) in primary care, with an enhance referral pathway for assessment and treatment by a General Practitioner (GP). Almost 20% of older people who were screened had clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (CSSA). GPNs reported that screening and referral was effectively integrated into the 75+ HA. As a result of our research, we are developing an evidence informed, low intensity, general practice-based intervention that can be delivered by GPNs, in an effort to reduce the debilitating effects of anxiety experienced by so many older Australians.