Self-help, mutual aid, and support groups among older adults

This review of the literature on the subject of health-related self-help an d support groups for older adults begins by defining these two small group helping arrangements, and proceeds with a discussion of the extent of their utilization by older adults, barriers to participation, and ways of tailor ing the groups to the needs and circumstances of older adults. The process and outcomes of these groups are also reviewed, and recommendations are off ered regarding future research directions and ways of optimizing both the a ppeal and impact of these two types of mutual aid groups.