An experimental study examined the effect of intergenerational contact and stereotype threat on older people's cognitive performance, anxiety, intergroup bias, and identification. Participants completed a series of cognitive tasks under high or low stereotype threat (through comparison with younger people). In line with stereotype threat theory, threat resulted in worse performance. However, this did not occur if prior intergenerational contact had been more positive. This moderating effect of contact was mediated by test-related anxiety. In line with intergroup contact theory, more positive contact was associated with reduced prejudice and reduced ingroup identification. However this occurred in the high threat, but not low threat, condition. The findings suggest that positive intergenerational contact can reduce vulnerability to stereotype threat among older people.

No abstract

No abstract

We describe the development and delivery of a psychotherapeutic group on two acute inpatient wards for older people. Ward A is for people with ‘functional difficulties’ and Ward B is for people with functional and ‘organic difficulties’. The groups provide support and feedback from group members dealing with similar age-related issues. Some of the most salient themes are summarised and feedback from group members and staff is discussed.

No abstract