Groups for the Aging: Do They Work?

Home-based health promotion for chronically ill older persons: results of a randomized controlled trial of a critical reflection approach

“…Much of the research to date has tested group interventions (Zimpfer, 1987). The combined results of these studies suggest that general purpose group counseling as yet has been of limited usefulness in promoting the health of older persons (Hauser and Feinberg, 1976;Lieberman and Gourash, 1979;Tosland et al, 1981;Zgliczynski, 1982;Yalom and Vinogradov, 1988;Benson et al, 1989;Higgens, 1989;Wynd, 1990;Heller et al, 1991;Ruffing-Rahal, 1994;Viverais-Dresler et al, 1995).…”

Creating empowering meaning: an interactive process of promoting health with chronically ill older Canadians

“…Such findings have led researchers to study primarily group-oriented interventions (Zimpfer, 1987;Kaplun, 1992) for older chronically ill persons. For non-institutionalized individuals, the goals of these interventions have been to: impart information and skills related to physical care (Benson et al, 1989;Higgens, 1989); promote self-actualization and personal growth (Lieberman and Gourash, 1979;Milinsky, 1987); enhance social relationships, life satisfaction and work productivity (Moss, 1976); develop mutual support groups (Toseland et al, 1981); improve morale (Zgliczynski, 1982); establish confidante relationships ; resolve grief (Hauser and Feinberg, 1976;Yalom and Vinogradov, 1988); and to increase personal power (Wynd, 1990).…”

Training Counselors to Facilitate the Transitions of Aging Through Group Work

“…Zimpfer (1987) reviewed the literature and concluded that most unsuccessful groups for older persons failed because of inappropriate client selection. Screening is crucial and counselors need training in assessing client capacities and COUNSELOR EDUCATION AND SUPERVISION / SEPTEMBER 1992/ VOL.…”

“…Groups are effective with older persons because they provide opportunities for restoring and maintaining meaningful social interaction (Bledsoe & Lutz-Ponder, 1986). Groups also provide increased opportunities for intimacy and friendship for older persons, who often suffer from isolation (Crose, 1990;Hawkins, 1983;Powell, 1988;Thomas, 1991;Zimpfer, 1987). Benefits for older participants include experiencing support from sharing common losses, concerns, and experiences; creating a sense of community and belonging; developing new ways of coping; and discovering the importance of one's uniqueness (Bledsoe & Lutz-Ponder, 1986;Mardoyan & Weis, 1981;Shulman, 1985;Sullivan, Coffey, & Greenstein, 1987;Thomas & Hayden, 1990).…”

“…Benefits for older participants include experiencing support from sharing common losses, concerns, and experiences; creating a sense of community and belonging; developing new ways of coping; and discovering the importance of one's uniqueness (Bledsoe & Lutz-Ponder, 1986;Mardoyan & Weis, 1981;Shulman, 1985;Sullivan, Coffey, & Greenstein, 1987;Thomas & Hayden, 1990). Groups also assist elderly people in resolving ego integrity issues of previous life stages, finding order and affirmation in patterns and themes of life events, gaining increased control, and, most important, discovering central meanings in seemingly disconnected parts of life (Burnside, 1986;Malde, 1988;Moran & Gatz, 1987;Shulman, 1985;Thomas & Hayden, 1990;Waters, 1990c;Zimpfer, 1987). These benefits help overcome the depression, anger, isolation, and loss of meaning resulting from difficulties in successfully navigating the transitions of aging (Myers et aI., 1991;Thomas, 1991).…”