**11. Future research**

Future research calls for rigorous research methodology to be integrated in clinical-service provisions in ways that mutually improve both research and clinical practice [59]. Routinely assessing adverse childhood experiences by using the ACE (Adverse Childhood Events) Questionnaire (World Health Organization; WHO [60]) may support patients in better understanding their current health problems. Even if such experiences are initially denied, patients may hear the message that talking in therapy about such issues is acceptable. Since both age-related changes and PTSD symptoms can include attention and memory problems, cognitive functioning should be routinely assessed as well [61]. Extending routine assessments with cognitive and physiological measures (blood pressure or heart rate) could provide additional evidence on risks and outcomes of psychotherapy in older adults [22, 46]. Furthermore, directly comparing trauma-related psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy for older PTSD patients could improve treatment matching. Moreover, e-health applications for assessment and/or treatment (the timeline in NET or homework assignments in PCT) could bring interesting innovations and inspire yet further research. Summarizing, this field of research is still in its infancy and calls for expanding the scope of research. In particular, founding research sites outside Western countries and reaching new target populations will encourage researchers and clinicians in this fascinating field to move forward.
