An Evidence Base for Group Work with Older Adults Living in the Community

There is a small but illuminating body of research related to group work with older adults living in the community. A broad range of interventions with diverse elderly participants have been studied internationally using qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Although scanty, the published literature informs group work practitioners on the strengths and limitations of different interventions. This article presents a critical review of 13 studies published between 1990 and 2007 to guide group work practitioners in organizing and facilitating groups for older adults in the community. Each review notes the characteristics of the participants, type of group intervention, methodology, and findings of the study. It examines the rigor, impact, and applicability of the findings to practice with this population. Much needs to be done to develop an evidence base for group work with older adults living in the community. Recommendations for practice and future research are offered.