Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a tool for the optimization of a Active Aging Interventions.

Abstract

In this paper, it is proposed a reflection on the great consistency and potential complementarity between the perspective of clinical intervention, especially the progressively more popular Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the theoretical models in which the perspective of active/successful aging is grounded (life span theories). It is suggested that ACT can help optimize the repertoire of tools and strategies available to potentiate the active aging interventions. Theoretical models are briefly reviewed, with an emphasis on analyzing how these models builds upon the constructs of “goal” and “action”, and highlight the main role of self-regulation and flexible goal adjustment for adaptation across the lifespan. Finally, a specific ACT-based intervention program currently in progress and directed to dementia family caregivers is outlined.