The times they are a-changing: A review of Silent Generation and Baby Boomer referrals to an older people's psychology service.

This article examines changes in Psychology referrals to Older People's Community Mental Health Teams (OPCMHTs) within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGG&C) between February 2018 and February 2023, focusing on generational differences between the 'Silent Generation' (born 1928–1945) and the 'Baby Boomer' generation (born 1946–1964). Findings indicate an increase in referrals from Baby Boomers, who present with greater diagnostic complexity, longer psychological input, and more engagement with third-sector organizations compared to the Silent Generation. The proportion of patients with recorded diagnoses rose from 61.9% in 2018 to 79.2% in 2023, with Baby Boomers exhibiting a broader range of mental health difficulties, including trauma and neurodevelopmental conditions. The study highlights the need for mental health services to adapt through enhanced workforce planning, training, and culturally competent care models to address the evolving demographic and clinical profiles of older adults.