Group Therapy For Older Adults

Depression in late life is something that many people struggle with. It touches nearly 5 to 10% of older adults in the community, and almost 20% of older adults suffer from some type of psychological disorder (Husaini et al, 2004). Typical treatment for older clients may not work as effectively as on younger clients. These treatments may need to be modified when used with an older population. There are many experiences that older clients have that are unique to their population, such as, retirement, grief and loss, chronic pain, loss of a social group, and a decline in memory and other physical ailments. These can make up the reasons for the high rates of depression and suicide found among older adults (Payne & Marcus, 2008).
Studies indicate
There is a population of older women who come into the clinic looking for help coping with these feelings of depression which stem from isolation and loneliness. This group psychotherapy will fill a much-needed gap in care for this population. A meta-analysis answering the question whether group psychotherapy for older (55+) adults was effective showed that group psychotherapy benefits older adults. It also provides us with further data that is important to keep in mind when considering group therapy for older women. Some of this includes the fact that group therapy was effective if the clients were simply over 55 or if a more specific definition of older adults was used. In addition, the study points out that group therapy is better at treating functional problems than for treating organic problems (like dementia). It also tells us that older adults in group treatment are helped more than those receiving no treatment or a control treatment (Payne & Marcus, 2004). The results of another study indicate that group therapy can provide a supportive environment for elders to work out the challenges posed at this stage of their life cycle. Quantitative evidence shows that the group therapy program was helpful in lessening depression. These results are strongest when participants are Caucasian, between the ages of 55 and 75, and who have minor clinical depression at the onset of the program. This study also proves that group therapy provides lasting outcomes (Husaini et al, 2008). All this data is important when deciding whether this intervention will best help this population that we are trying to assist at the