Group Work With Older Adults: 85 Therapeutic Exercises

by Ann L Link

This remarkable book contains 85 structured exercises which specifically address therapeutic issues related to aging.  Included are introductions, directions, and rationale for each exercise, plus illustrated worksheets which can be photocopied for use with your clients. Printed in an 8.5" x 11" format with flexible binding for ease in copying.

Some of these exercises have been updated from those that appeared in Dr. Link's earlier publication, Group Work With Elders: 52 Exercises for Reminiscence, Validation, and Remotivation, published in 1997. Many are brand new. This book is designed to aid therapists and trained group facilitators who conduct discussion groups for geriatric clients. Exercises in the book combine important geriatric therapy techniques of Reminiscence, Validation, and Remotivation to energize group discussion and foster renewal of hope.

Group participation is a therapeutic tool which is widely supported by experts in the field of geriatrics. Structured exercises and instructions for group leaders in this book focus on issues pertinent to the aging process such as coping with loss, physical illness, and decline in independence. Illustrated handouts increase opportunities for participation among group members who have varying levels of cognitive and physical functioning.