You wrote an insightful science-based article, "At the Sunset: Prevention with Elders," in "Butterfly Wings," the Youth Initiative magazine. What was your motivation?
It isn't easy to point out just one motivator. But the most important people in my life have always been my mom and grandparents. I have lived with them most of my life, and everyone was always shocked that I had such active grandparents, and for me, it was normal to do so many things with them. Older adults are usually portrayed as people who start losing everything: jobs, health, family, friends. The spotlight is so focused on the negative side of aging, on the risk factors and the issues that come with it that it is no wonder anybody wants to grow old. However, I knew from personal experience that older people could enjoy life as much as anybody; they can travel, spend time with people they love, work, exercise, celebrate, and do any other thing we can think of. A concept called active aging is becoming more important around the world, but for me, that is just aging; it can be scary, as all changes are, but it is also beautiful and enjoyable. That is why I like the name "at the sunset" because I have seen people run towards sunsets, make wishes, take pictures… Nobody wants the day to end, but we can appreciate the beauty of night as much as we can understand the wonders and possibilities that come from growing older. So, when the time came for me to do my thesis, it felt very natural to focus on the positive and enjoyable part of aging, and with the magazine, I could share that message with more people.
How did 'Listen First' play a role in your writing?
I think my ideas align with the 'Listen First' initiative because the focus is not mainly on the risk but on the possibilities of creating something better for everyone. 'Listen First' is full of optimism, hope, and transcendence, things we need, especially when we research and talk about topics, usually put in a negative light. Furthermore, the materials are entirely understandable; they don't feel like rocket science. It makes the science of prevention fun and easy to understand. That inspired me to create an article that was very science-based but also engaging and easy to read.
How can 'Listen First' be helpful in your local community, and what benefits might it have for young people in particular?
One of the many reasons I love 'Listen First' is that it shows that prevention, at the most basic level, is about love and connection. Both things help people grow, adapt, make better decisions, feel supported, and, in the end, achieve their true potential. This year, as a psychologist, I saw many people who had difficulties regulating themselves, expressing and regulating their emotions, listening to others, and connecting with people around them. In most cases, the root of their problems was early childhood because their basic needs were not being satisfied. Encouraging parents to connect with their children, be involved in their lives, and show them love has countless benefits.
Your second "Butterfly Wings" article, "Listen Again," is also about aging?
When I thought about the science of affection, family activities, listening, play, patience… I recalled that I had all these things growing up - and I still need and enjoy hugs, patience, validation, family time, etc. I realized that we never stop growing; we all need to be healthy and safe, and these needs are always present regardless of age. "Listen Again" encourages everyone to help older adults develop skills and see their value and potential. It is not just to protect them or prevent substance misuse; it supports their aging.
For me, love is how a person learns to adapt and grow as a human being. I understood the true potential that we as human beings have and how we, as a society, must see people for what they can be and their strengths. 'Listen First' does that by showing kids they can grow and develop to be unique human beings, and I wanted to show that this transcends age.
Looking at the new 'Listen First' materials, 'Super Skills,' could they be helpful for prevention work in your community?
Yes, as a psychologist, I think they are fantastic resources for prevention. Part of my everyday work teaches people about decision-making, communication, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and human relations. Many people don’t learn this when they are young or don’t have good role models. That leads to many emotional issues and makes it difficult to form long-lasting healthy relationships during adulthood. Unfortunately, if those patterns continue, their own children will also have difficulties regulating themselves and creating connections. So putting these skills in the spotlight is remarkable because, at schools, we don't have a class that teaches us that hopefulness, compassion, and kindness are as important as they should be. Prevention is not about avoiding potential threats. It's about giving people tools to allow them to go out into the world, learn and make a positive impact.
Can you imagine the implementation in different facilities and for other target groups?
When I saw the materials, my mind came up with a thousand ideas of how to use them with children, adolescents, parents, older adults, couples, people with special abilities, teachers, families… Can you imagine what the world would be like if we encourage and nurture empathy, hope, compassion, confidence, curiosity, honesty, motivation, integrity, and gratitude? People would be happy, loved, and accepted; that is why we need to celebrate and cultivate these virtues. For me, 'The Science of Care' and 'The Science of Skills' can be implemented in programs for people of all ages, conditions, and countries. The materials are not based on some new discovery; on the contrary, they go back to every person's core and potential, which is why everyone can benefit from it.
Finally, what was your experience working with UNODC Youth Initiative and its new magazine?
It has been an incredible experience. I joined because I love research, and I want to make science understandable for everyone. The UNODC Youth Initiative magazine gave me the chance to do something I love and to talk about topics I am passionate about and then share them with the world. I have learned so much, I am proud of what we have achieved so far - it has been a journey full of joy and growth, and for that, I am thankful.
Alexandra Bravo Schroth, from Peru, is a psychology student in her final year. She is interested in neuropsychology and clinical psychotherapy. She is passionate about the development of social prevention initiatives and loves working with children, families, and older adults.
Made possible with the generous support of France.
