Mindful Emotion Coaching, frailty and older age

This course brings together a set of practical, easy-to-use resources to help you – and the families you support – talk more openly and comfortably about feelings and emotions with older people as well as with people experiencing frailty.

Mindful Emotion Coaching was originally developed by Dr Sarah Temple to support children and families, but the core ideas are universal. They are just as relevant when working with older adults who may be living with frailty, long-term conditions, loss, or increasing dependence on others. At this stage of life, emotional wellbeing, dignity, and a sense of being heard are just as important as physical care.

The approach draws on a wide range of thoughtful and compassionate work in health and care, including Atul Gawande’s reflections in Being Mortal, Victor Montori’s vision of careful and kind care, and the relational neuroscience of Dan Siegel, alongside the emotion coaching work of John Gottman and Sophie Havighurst, and research from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Together, these influences emphasise that good care is built on relationships, understanding, and shared meaning.

Whether you are a health or social care professional, a volunteer, or a family member, this course offers simple, practical tools to support calmer conversations, stronger connections, and emotionally attuned care. The aim is to help older people feel understood and supported, and to help those around them feel more confident having honest, compassionate conversations about what really matters.