The Second UFRO Science Cafe of this season is scheduled for today, June 4, in Room 101 of the Aula Magna (or via online stream http://www.ufromedios.cl/senal-en-vivo-tv/), at 6 pm. (Chilean time), where the topic "Mental Health in Senior Citizens: Myths and Reality" will be discussed.

Dr. Claudia Miranda Castillo, an academic at Andrés Bello University (Universidad Andrés Bello) in Chile, will address the most common myths (stereotypes) associated with senior citizens and the psychological changes expected in this stage of life, as well as the main mental health problems that could arise (dementia, depression and anxiety).

It should be noted that older people may experience a number of physical, psychological and social problems that may persist over time, converting them into a vulnerable group. It has been estimated that 11.9% of the senior citizens in Chile are affected by a mental health problem. The most frequent problems are dementia (5-8%), anxiety (4.4%) and mood disorders (3.7%).

Dr. Miranda holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile) and a PhD in Mental Health and Aging from University College London, England.
Her research field focuses on three areas of psychogerontology: the evaluation and improvement of psychosocial aspects in senior citizens, the implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions aimed at improving the well-being of individuals suffering from dementia and their family or caregivers, and psychotherapeutic aspects linked to clinical work with senior citizens.

The Science Cafe is organized by the Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus BIOREN-UFRO and the Student Development Office (DDE). You can also view today´s session via online stream on http://www.ufromedios.cl/senal-en-vivo-tv/ at 6 p.m. (Chilean time).