The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of structures and approaches in psychological support for older adults with MCI. In this study, we conducted a qualitative analysis of interviews with psychologists who have experience in providing psychological support to older adults with MCI. As a result, four categories were extracted: “Positioning of older adults with MCI in medical ”care,“ Importance of social connections”, ”Current status of psychological aspects faced by families” and “Current Status of Psychological Support and Potential for Support”. The findings suggest the ambiguous positioning of the older adults with MCI and the current state of psychological support for both the individuals and their families.

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This paper reflects on the psychological support provided by the first author to a female resident, A, in the special nursing home where the first author worked. The aim was to accumulate experiences of psychological support by a Certified Public Psychologist in such settings. The sessions began after caregiving staff expressed concerns about A's aggressive behavior toward other residents. Shortly after, A attempted suicide. Initially, she denied the attempt, but over time, as she increasingly mentioned her functional decline, she began to express ambivalent feelings about life. Eventually, she voluntarily spoke about her suicide attempt. Throughout the process, the first author shared information about A's psychological state with the caregiving staff and supported her through the emotional challenges caused by her decline. The discussion suggests that a certified psychologist can provide diverse psychological support to residents and staff. Additionally, all forms of support were in line with Article 2 of the Certified Psychologist Act and were considered appropriate roles for Certified Psychologists to fulfill.

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Educational gerontology is a Theld of social gerontology with the emphasis on lifelong learning. Key perspective of this study is positive aging and one example of this is old age style, namely creative expressions vitalized after old age. Among contemporary issues of older adults, the author picked up the problems of medicalization, changing ideas of older adults, gender issues, single households, political issues of old age. And for tackling with these problems from the perspective of educational gerontology, important points are places on older adult learning (e.g. senior citizen’s college) and older people’s diversity is one good vehicle for facilitating older adults learning.

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Sandplay therapy began from 1965 in Japan, and is now practiced from child to old person. It makes sense to play in sandplay. So, surroundings to protect client is important, that is, frame of sandplay box and counselor’s attitude to observe client. Moreover, expression of sandplay is done through image of client’s inner world and this image has function of independence, symbol, cure, and so on. To practice sandplay therapy, it is very important to pay careful attention to box, sand, toy, and counselor’s attitude of close to client. And not interpreting but confirming and telling impression about sandplay work gives some good influence to client. It is capable for counselor to deepen understanding of client’s problem, pathology, and state of mind, but counselor should be careful of not doing blind-analysis. For comprehension of sandplay work, it needs impression of whole of it, constellation, theme, and understanding of symbol. Finally, some sandplay works were showed with brief explanation. And minisandplay was addedly presented.

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This review article is a re-capitulation of the author’s presentation at the 7th Congress of the Japanese Society of Clinical Psychology of Gerontology. ffis paper describes the role of clinical psychologists in life support for dementia care. In Japan, a comprehensive community care system has been advocated for dementia care since the long-term care insurance system. The author presents clinical practice based on his 40-odd years of clinical experience on how to support people with dementia living in the community. ffe content of the practice is divided into two periods: before the long-term care insurance system and after the long-term care insurance system. Before the long-term care insurance system, the author’s practice was mainly hospital-based. After the long-term care insurance system, the author’s practice was centered on supporting support workers in the community. Based on the author’s practice, the author’s personal views on the role of psychologists are described.

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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[in Japanese]

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