P120: Peer groups that support the mental health of older adults

Abstract

The City of Helsinki provides peer support groups for older adults with substance abuse or mental health issues:

• For older adults with substance abuse issues (14 meetings)

• For elderly relatives, friends and family members of people with substance abuse issues (12 meetings)

• For older adults with depression symptoms (12 meetings)

• For older adults who have lost a loved one (8 meetings)

Peer support groups meet once a week at senior centres and are led by social instructors. The maximum group size is limited to ten people. Group instructors have manuals to guide their work, and attendees follow group-specific assignment books. The first three groups listed above stem from cognitive methods, and the group for those who have lost a loved one stems from a meaning-centred approach.

Before the group’s first get-together, instructors meet all potential group members in person to ensure that joining the activity is a suitable and beneficial option for them. Although the groups have different discussion topics and assignments, all are primarily based on openness and peer support. Two months after the group’s last get-together, members will meet up again, and the instructors will assess whether someone needs extra support and refer them onward.

Overall, feedback on the peer support groups has been positive. Attendees feel participating has brought change to their lives, and many reported reduced alcohol consumption and improved mood. In their feedback, attendees gave thanks to interesting discussion themes, an open and trusting atmosphere and the importance of being able to communicate with peers of the same age.

Peer support groups are a cost-effective and functional way to support the mental health of older adults, especially in the early detection and prevention of more severe problems.