Group therapy with elderly patients

In our research we try to suggest a type of group therapy for elderly patients to favor the communication process and to make the patient acquire an active role in the group. The group has an open structure with weekly sessions that last one hour and a half each. The group is conducted by therapists who coordinate the work, acting as stimulus and supporting the relationship between the patients. It is composed of 8 patients, some of whom have been inpatients of the department while others were sent by territorial social service. Age is not the only component for selection; above all, problems regarding loneliness, difficulties in interpersonal relationships and consequent loss of contact and interest in the other are considered.