Effectiveness of a Process Based Intervention in Decreasing Internalized Ageism

Abstract

Objectives: Exposure to ageism may be internalized in older adults, and this can have severe consequences. However, little research has addressed reducing internalized ageism. Thus, Reimagine Aging, a six-week process-based intervention to reduce internalized ageism was designed and implemented, using education, acceptance and commitment therapy, and attributional retraining to target theoretically based mechanisms of change. Method: 72 older adults (M = 70.4 years, SD = 6.4 years) participated in Reimagine Aging, consented to participate in this research, and provided valid data. Participants completed questionnaires prior to the intervention, immediately following the intervention, and at a two-month follow-up. Results: Participants’ self-perceptions of aging and perceptions of older adults became significantly more positive, associated with large effect sizes (partial eta squared = 0.37 and 0.27 respectively). Furthermore, these positive gains were mediated by increases in psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and perceived control. Discussion: This study provides initial support for the effectiveness of this process-based intervention targeting a reduction of internalized ageism. This has the potential to reduce the harmful consequences of internalized ageism impacting older adults globally.

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