A recent review of published and unpublished data suggests that the elderly are underrepresented in most self-help groups. Some national groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous do serve the aged but many others such as widow groups do not. A recent national survey of over 3,000 households conducted by Mellinger and Balter examined the use of…

Self-help groups of elderly persons (N=42), who had been blind for several years, met by phone for short-term problem solving and discussion of coping methods. Results indicated task-centered assignments helped the majority meet their goal of decreasing feelings of hopelessness and increasing social activities outside of the home. (Author)

This curriculum guide is designed to assist anyone involved in the organization of self-help mutual aid groups among older persons, based on the assumption that those to be affected must be involved. There are four major sections in the guide which speak to background issues; training of organizers in terms of their roles and functions; four…