Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of behavioral therapy developed by Steven C. Hayes in the 1980s. It is based on the idea that psychological suffering often arises from our attempts to avoid or control unpleasant internal experiences. , such as thoughts, emotions or physical sensations. Instead of fighting against these experiences, ACT proposes to accept them and direct our energy towards actions that are aligned with our personal values.
ACT is based on six central processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, search for the present moment, taking the self as context, establishing values and committed action. These processes work together to increase psychological flexibility, defined as the ability to stay in touch with the present moment and change or persist in a behavior when doing so serves our valued ends.
Aging is a natural process that we all experience, but it is often accompanied by significant psychological challenges. As we age, we face physical, cognitive, and social changes that can feel overwhelming.
In this context, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emerges as a valuable tool to help older adults face these challenges with resilience and maintain a good quality of life. Thus, in this article we will focus on understanding the usefulness and application of ACT in older adults and to act on adaptation to aging.
Aging is a multidimensional phenomenon that involves a series of physical, cognitive and social changes, each of which presents its own psychological challenges.
On a physical level, older adults experience a gradual decrease in muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance. Chronic health problems such as arthritis, hypertension or diabetes may arise, requiring adaptation and constant management. Changes in appearance, such as wrinkles or gray hair, can affect self-image and self-esteem.
2. Cognitive challenges
Cognitively, many older adults notice a slowdown in information processing and difficulties with short-term memory. Although these changes are normal, they can generate frustration and fear of diseases such as Alzheimer’s..
3. Social challenges
Socially, aging brings significant transitions. Retirement can cause a loss of professional identity and daily routine. The death of friends and family can lead to social isolation and loneliness. Changes in family roles, such as becoming grandparents or needing more help from children, also require emotional adjustments.
4. Emotional responses to change
These changes can trigger a variety of emotional responses, including anxiety about the future, sadness over experienced losses, frustration with new limitations, and fear of loss of independence or death. Without effective coping strategies, these challenges can lead to mental health problems such as depression or chronic anxiety.
Application of ACT in aging
ACT offers a unique approach to addressing the challenges of aging. In this section, we will start with some of the principles of ACT and how they are adapted and applied in the development of this therapeutic approach.
1. Acceptance
Instead of fighting the inevitable changes of aging, ACT encourages older adults to accept them as a natural part of life. This does not mean resignation, but rather recognizing reality as it is, which frees up energy to focus on aspects of life that can still be controlled and enjoyed.
This technique helps people distance themselves from negative thoughts about aging. For example, instead of fully believing the thought “I’m too old to learn new things,” you can recognize it as simply a thought, not a fact.
3. Mindfulness and the present moment
Practicing mindfulness helps older adults focus on the here and now, rather than worrying about the future or regretting the past. This can increase appreciation of daily experiences and reduce anxiety.
4. Values and commitment to action
ACT encourages people to identify what they truly value in life and commit to actions that support those values., regardless of age or physical limitations. This can give a renewed sense of purpose and meaning to life.
Benefits of ACT in older adults
Research has shown that ACT may be particularly beneficial for older adults. Studies such as Petkus and Wetherell (2013) have found that ACT can significantly improve quality of life in this population. A reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as an increase in psychological flexibility, has been observed.
Additionally, ACT has been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain, a common problem in older adults. By changing the person’s relationship with the pain, rather than trying to eliminate it completely, ACT can help reduce associated suffering and improve functionality.
To further understand these benefits, we will discuss some ACT techniques that have been found useful for older adults. The metaphor of the “bus of life” is based on understanding that difficult thoughts and feelings are temporary, but the individual remains the driver of his life and the one who establishes its journey. Mindfulness exercises, such as observing breathing or body scanning, have been shown to have benefits for commitment to action.
