Support Groups for Elderly Persons in the Community

Abstract

A detailed presentation is made of the techniques used in four community-based support groups for elderly persons experiencing moderate stress as a result of the aging process. The support groups were structured as informal workshops which were presented over ten 2-hour sessions. Group leaders provided objective information about normal changes in the later years and helped clients develop more effective interpersonal skills to cope with these changes. Pre- and posttest results indicated that the majority of clients experienced decreased anxiety about the aging process, became more effective in problem solving, and began to make use of community resources.