An Evaluation of a Therapeutic Health Program for the Black Elderly

Abstract

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a therapeutic health program which was offered in 1988 to the black elderly living in subsidized high-rise apartments in Nashville. The pre-program data (of 1987) indicated distinct differences in that the elderly living in the high-rises had significantly more medical problems, higher levels of depression, and smaller social support networks than those living in their own single dwelling homes. The therapeutic program included various modules such as cognitive and grief therapy, reminiscence therapy, social skills and remotivation therapy. Analyses of pre-post measures of selected variables showed that the program was effective in improving the health status of the participants. As compared to a non-treatment control group, the elderly in the experimental group showed significant improvements in depression, social network, and a sense of control over their lives. A discussion of these findings is provided.

Group Therapy for Depressed Elderly Women

“…In some studies, therapeutic programs, similar to the program implemented in the present study, were found to significantly reduce depression and enhance other measures of psychosocial functioning for both African American and Caucasian program participants (Husaini, 1995;Husaini et al, 1990). Moreover, a review of research focusing on the effects of group and individual mental health treatments suggest equal benefits for African American and Caucasian participants (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 1999).…”

The Consequences of Living in High-Rise Buildings

“…The high-rise residents showed a higher incidence of depression, schizophrenia and phobias than the community residents (Husaini, Moore & Castor, 1991; Castor, Whitten-Stovall, Moore et al, 1990). Unfortunately, the high-rise group was poorer, less educated, less likely to be married, reported more medical problems and had fewer social contacts, so conclusions are difficult to draw from this study.…”

“…The latter was also reported in a different college dormitory study (Wilcox & Holahan, 1976), one that added that perceived social support and involvement declined with height within buildings. Social support also was lower among elderly African-Americans in a high rise than among elderly African-Americans in nearby low-rises (Husaini et al, 1990), although the two groups were dissimilar in other ways, too, which may have had an influence.…”

The immigration experience among elderly Korean immigrants

“…'s (1996) study. Further, as discussed in the literature (Manfredi & Pickett 1987, Husaini et al . 1990), the respondents also reported that illness was a stressful event that they encountered.…”