Abstract:

The development & functioning of self-help groups to deal with the problem of hypertension among the elderly in Croatia, Yugoslavia, are investigated within the context of recent rapid demographic & social changes. It is suggested that urbanization & the aging of the society have begun to place a stress on the ability of the family & the formal health care system to deal with the needs of the elderly. New types of residences for the elderly & various types of self-help groups dealing with a variety of health care needs have been introduced in response to this stress. Preliminary data from fieldwork conducted in a rural & an urban village reveal that such groups have been relatively successful in regulating blood pressure & in slightly reducing mortality. However, it is argued that their success will require a long-term commitment from public health institutions & a recognition of how such groups must be adapted to different social environments.