Project Description: Aging Together is a ten-session anti-ageism peer support program which aims to reduce internalized and relational ageism while enhancing social connectedness and other forms of psychosocial well-being for adults 50+ years of age. The purpose of the Aging Together program is for people over the age of 50 to 1) provide peer support for one another through both the challenging and rewarding aspects of aging, 2) to learn about ageism, including how our beliefs affect our experience of aging, and 3) to practice new ways to tell our story of aging. 90-minute, weekly sessions occur in-person with a group of five-to-eight participants. The programs are peer-facilitated (i.e., facilitators are also 60+ years of age). Peer facilitators receive a 4-hour training and ongoing consultation from Dr. Andrew Steward, Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Facilitators and participants receive a personal copy of the 45-page program manual/workbook, which includes educational information, journaling prompts, discussion prompts, and numerous supplemental resources.
The program includes two main sections: 1) education about ageism and health, and 2) “tell your story of aging.” The education section covers definitions and examples for several specific types of ageism, and the health impacts of ageism and internalized ageism. In the “tell your story of aging” section (the “crux” of the program), participants are invited to apply what they learn about ageism to tell their story of aging in a new way. Participants also discuss strategies to collectively respond to ageism in their communities or larger society.
We are currently conducting research to understand best practices for implementing this program, and the benefits of participation on internalized ageism, relational ageism, social connectedness, self-efficacy, purpose in life, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. Participants are invited to complete a series of 30-minute surveys. Sessions are audio recorded, and researchers complete a fidelity checklist to assess the extent to which the program is implemented as intended.
Major Project Activities:
- Weekly, 90-minute sessions with a peer group of 5-to-8 people 50+ years of age
- Education, journaling, discussion
- Participate in research surveys
- Peer facilitator training and consultation
Link to Project Resources: https://www.nextavenue.org/how-the-aging-together-project-tackles-ageism/
To Learn More: Contact Dr. Andrew Steward at stewarat@uwm.edu.