Innovative Interventions Augmented with Technology to Reduce Risk for Depression and Suicide in Aging Adults

Abstract

This symposium will focus on innovative technological interventions that assist with remote treatment. Specifically, it will address late life depression in older adults and the ways in which technology can be adapted to meet their needs. Virtual tools, such as the ones that will be presented today, are particularly significant in the current COVID-19 pandemic when access to face-to-face interactions is limited and symptoms of distress and anxiety are likely to be exacerbated. First, Dr. Sara Czaja will focus on the PRISM trial to discuss the role of technology in providing support for aging adults suffering from depression. Second, Dr. Samprit Banerjee will speak about the feasibility of predicting homework (HW) adherence to psychotherapy of depression in middle-aged and older adults using passively collected data by mHealth apps. Third, Dr. Jo Anne Sirey will present the PROTECT program and its goal of reducing depression severity in elder abuse victims in a remote setting. Fourth and finally, Dr. Dimitris Kiosses will focus on the development and feasibility of the patient-customized WellPATH tablet application for recently hospitalized older adults.