Groups for Older Adults, Research Paper Example

Introduction

This paper examines the concept of older-adult therapy via groups for older adults.  This considers a summation of Chapter 12 from the book ‘Groups: Process and Practice’. (Corey, M. 2010). The article considers such items as group interventions, educational counseling and psychotherapy groups.

Older Adults in Social Groups

The passing of a loved one in Adult life, particularly after a long period of togetherness in marriage, brings on a strong sense of bereavement.  This tends to go through a number of stages. In the stage at the time of death it brings about a sense of numbness and shock with a great deal of distress.  This can last for hours or days.  The second phase is one of pining for the lost person and a sense of grief at the loss. These intense pangs of anxiety are a direct result of trying to come to terms with the loss. “Bereavement is a critical development task for older people” [Ch 12, p415] (Corey, M. 2010)

These conditions are transient but see the individual trying to cope with everyday life in an apathetic or clumsy way.  This period can last from weeks to several months dependent upon the strength of the bonding.  The final stage is reconciliation or coming to terms with the loss and trying to continue with your life. (Rosow, I. 1974) Often this starts to resolve by the person finding another social relationship.  We are not meant to be solitary creatures and need the Company of others for stimulation and friendship. “Perhaps the most single important thing counselors can offer bereaved individuals is an understanding of the grief process” [Ch12 p418] (Corey, M. 2010)

The main human reaction to death is one of fear.  It is the sense of the unknown – a voyage or passage that we must all face alone.  Nobody gets to cheat death – it is something that we all have to face.  Religious people with faith console themselves in the belief of an afterlife, as opposed to the scientific biological explanation that like any other creatures on the planet when we die we simply cease to exist – that’s it period.   It is unlikely that science will ever fully comprehend the meaning of death or provide a rational explanation for it.  Consequently we will continue to live our lives in fear of it.  One thing seems certain and that is everyone’s experience of death is both personal and unique.  Each of us travels the journey alone and deals with it in our own terms. (Walls & Meyers, 1995)

References

Corey, M. C. (2010). Groups: Process and Practice 8th ed. Belmont CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage.

Rosow, I. (1974). Socialization to Old Age. Los Angeles: University of California Press.

Walls, N., & Meyers, A. W. (1995). Outcome in group treatments for bereavement: Experimental results and recommendations for clinical practice. . International Journal of Mental Health, Vol 13(3-4),, 126-147.