Ageing as a mindset: a study protocol to rejuvenate older adults with a counterclockwise psychological intervention.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Although ageing is generally perceived as a biologically determined process, the literature increasingly points to the importance of psychological factors in the ageing process, specifically age-related stereotypes or cognitive mindsets. Such stereotypes reflect self-perceptions and others' perceptions about the ageing process and can have a strong influence on health and life satisfaction, specifically through self-fulfilling prophecy mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate whether changes in mindsets can change the ageing process.

Methods and analysis

This study replicates in large part the original 1979 'Counterclockwise' experiment by Ellen Langer and will involve a group of older adults (aged 75+) taking part of a 1-week retreat outside of Milan, Italy.

SUBMITTER: Pagnini F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6615788 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature