READ TO SUCCEED: HOW BOOK CLUBS CAN IMPROVE INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONS AND FOSTER AGE FRIENDLINESS IN COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Abstract Intergenerational programming is recommended to improve age friendliness in communities, but there is little empirical research to support its effectiveness (Canedo-García et al., 2017). This project examined whether a multimodal intergenerational book club challenged age stereotypes and reduced ageism among participants (N=41). Twenty-one older adults (61-82) and 20 younger adults (18-22) read A Man Called Ove and met three times to introduce themselves (Time 1) and discuss the book (Time 2 and 3). Before the first meeting and after subsequent meetings, participants completed a survey to assess ageist beliefs and stereotypes. We expected ageist beliefs and stereotypes to decrease across time during the book club program. There was a statistically significant interaction between age group and time on benevolent ageism F(2, 52)= 5.23, p= .009 , partial η2= .167, such that benevolent ageism was more endorsed in younger adults (M=6.64, SE= 2.48, p= .011) compared to older adults at Time 1. This difference was not observed at Time 2 or Time 3 due to younger adults’ decreased overall endorsement. For positive generational stereotypes about older adults, there was a statistically significant main effect of time, F(2, 52)=7.095, p=.002, partial η2= .214, such that both younger and older adults increased their endorsement of these stereotypes from Time 1 to Time 3; similar findings occurred for positive stereotypes about younger adults F(2, 46)=4.53, p=.016, partial η2= .165. Results indicate intergenerational book clubs are an effective means to improve intergenerational relations and reduce ageist attitudes in younger adults.