Reimagine Aging: A Process-Based Intervention to Decrease 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 6-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. Methods Seventy-two older adults (M = 70.4 years, SD = 6.4 years) participated in Reimagine Aging, consented to participate in this robust single-sample pilot study, and provided valid data. Participants completed questionnaires prior to, immediately following, and 2 months after the intervention. Results Participants’ self-perceptions of aging ( η p 2 =0.37, p < .001) and perceptions of older adults ( η p 2 =0.27, p < .001) became significantly more positive, associated with large effect sizes. Furthermore, these positive gains were mediated by increases in psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and perceived control. Discussion This study provides initial support for this process-based intervention targeting a reduction of internalized ageism. Clinical Implications This program has the potential to reduce the negative impact internalized ageism has on the health of older adults. Furthermore, it provides novel insights into intervention targets and tools that may be useful in achieving this reduction.