Use of positive psychology to work with elderly with dementia : Chinese cultural articulation

Abstract

For the older adults with dementia in Hong Kong, their social and mental health is a matter of concern. And there have been empirical studies to study the enhancement of older adults' well-being and quality of life via positive psychology intervention as well as the significant risk factors promoting the older adults' exposure to dementia. Hence, the present study performs in compliance and aims to explore the use of positive psychology to work with elderly with dementia under Chinese cultural Articulation through the format of qualitative worker's observation and quantitative pre and post-test questionnaires in the 6-sessions group setting in Neighbourhood Elderly Centre (NEC). The results indicated that positive psychology group intervention was effective to enrich happiness, alleviate cognitive impairment and enhance self-esteem of the elder person in early stage of dementia.