Changing Attitudes Towards Retirement and Ageing Through Flipped Classroom and Collaborative Learning: A Social Psychological Study with Psychology and Social Work Students

The phenomenon of population ageing indicates an overall improvement in health and quality of life. However, it also presents significant social challenges, particularly with regard to age discrimination and the negative stereotypes and attitudes towards older people known as ageism. Various studies have shown that these prejudices have a negative impact on the social integration and well-being of this group. This quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test study, which involved a non-equivalent comparison group, was carried out at the University of Salamanca with psychology and social work students. This study aimed to reduce negative stereotypes about old age and unfavourable attitudes towards retirement by implementing a three-phase educational programme. The programme incorporated flipped classroom methodology and intergenerational collaborative projects. Participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group responsible for designing intergenerational projects and a comparison group which did not participate in the intervention. The Negative Stereotypes towards Old Age Questionnaire (CENVE) and the Attitudes towards Retirement Scale (ARS) were administered before and after the programme. The results showed a significant decrease in negative stereotypes in the intervention group, with no changes observed in the comparison group. The impact varied according to academic discipline. Integrating active and intergenerational methodologies into educational contexts is proposed as a means of mitigating ageism, promoting inclusion, and fostering social justice.