A day hospital in Christchurch is making positive improvements for older adults with mental health problems.

New research has found that those who went to New Zealand's only psycho-geriatric day facility, became better at dealing with anxiety and depression.

Clinical psychologist at Burwood Day Clinic Petra Hoggarth told Kate Hawkesby it allows people to live at home, but come in once a week for treatment.

"It gets them out of the house which actually really important if you have depression or anxiety or mental health problems and it puts them in contact with other older adults who are also experiencing similar problems."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PETRA HOGGARTH SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY