Addressing ageism using intergenerational performing arts interventions

Performing arts interventions may be one method to lessen age stereotypes among both the young and old. The present study examines how, and if, intergenerational performing arts interventions addressing age increases knowledge on ageism and counters ageist stereotypes. Two programs were assessed, one with a discussion component and the other without. Participants included 72 individuals aged 20–89. T-tests and repeated measures ANOVAs were used. Those under 50 experienced a significant increase in viewing ageism as a problem and those under 50 who participated in the discussion program experienced an increase in the belief that they could change perceptions about ageism between the pre- and posttests. Positive age stereotypes increased and negative age stereotypes decreased, regardless of program type and age. The present study has implications for how intergenerational performing arts interventions addressing age, created in conjunction with community organizations and via performing arts, may empower individuals to increase knowledge, and change their own perceptions about aging.