Contrasting negative stereotypes against aging through a silent disco event: an ecological study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Social Psychology
• Intergenerational Studies
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Ageism and dementia stigma lead to social exclusion and impact well-being.
• Interventions fostering shared enjoyable experiences can reduce negative stereotypes.
• This study investigated Silent Disco events for positive intergroup contact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of an intergenerational Silent Disco event.
• To measure reductions in ageism and dementia-related stigma.
• To analyze attitude changes across young, middle-aged, and young-old adult groups.

Main Methods:

• A 6-item questionnaire measured "Non-inclusion" and "Unpleasantness of company" perceptions.
• 115 participants completed the questionnaire pre- and post-event.
• Attitudinal changes were analyzed across different age demographics.

Main Results:

• The Silent Disco event significantly reduced stigma-related unpleasantness overall.
• A significant reduction in ageism-related unpleasantness was observed in middle-aged participants.
• No significant changes were found in non-inclusion perceptions for ageism or stigma.

Conclusions:

• Intergenerational Silent Disco events can reduce specific negative stereotypes about aging and dementia.
• Middle-aged participants showed the greatest reduction in ageism-related unpleasantness.
• Further strategies are needed to address social exclusion and promote deeper intergenerational engagement.