Group Intervention Strategy With the Aged.

This paper suggests that groups are effective modalities for meeting older persons' psychological needs and enhancing their sense of well-being. Following a review of the literature on group work with the aged, the effectiveness of group work as an intervention strategy for the treatment and prevention of mental health problems is demonstrated. Benefits of group participation are detailed, including ways in which groups assist older adults to relate effectively to family members as well as cope with the loss of family members and friends. Methods for conducting groups with older adults are described and compared with other age group methods. Avenues for expanding group work in clinical practice and directions for future research are also proposed. (Author/RC)