Aging Clin Exp Res. 2025 Nov 14;37(1):326. doi: 10.1007/s40520-025-03224-z.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ageism and stigma toward individuals with dementia contribute to their social exclusion and negatively impact their well-being. Intergenerational interventions, particularly those based on shared enjoyable experiences, have shown potential in reducing negative stereotypes. This study explored whether a Silent Disco event could challenge ageism and dementia-related stigma by fostering positive intergroup contact.
AIMS: The study assessed the effectiveness of an intergenerational Silent Disco event in reducing ageism and stigma among young adults (21-40 years, M = 32.76 ± 4.70), middle-aged adults (41-60, years M = 51.21 ± 5.88), and young-old adults (61-80 years, M = 66.67 ± 6.10).
METHODS: A 6-item questionnaire with two subscales-“Non-inclusion” and “Unpleasantness of company”-was administered to 115 participants before and after the event to measure negative stereotypes about aging and dementia. Changes in attitudes were analyzed across age groups.
RESULTS: The event reduced stigma-related unpleasantness in the total sample (p = .020) and ageism-related unpleasantness among middle-aged participants (p = .011). However, no statistically significant changes were observed in non-inclusion perceptions for either ageism or stigma.
DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that intergenerational Silent Disco events help reduce specific negative stereotypes-particularly unpleasant perceptions of older adults and people with dementia-with the strongest reduction in ageism-related unpleasantness seen in middle-aged participants. However, the persistence of non-inclusion attitudes highlights the need for broader interventions to address social exclusion.
CONCLUSIONS: Silent Disco events show potential in challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusivity, but additional strategies are needed to promote deeper intergenerational engagement and social inclusion.
PMID:41236675 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-025-03224-z
