Developing and validating a localised, self-training mindfulness programme for older Singaporean adults: effects on cognitive functioning and implications for healthcare

Abstract

There is a paucity of research available on the effect of mindfulness on cognitive function. However, the topic has recently gained more attention due to the ageing population in Singapore, catalysed by recent findings on brain function and cellular ageing. Recognising the potential benefits of practising mindfulness, we aimed to develop a localised, self-training mindfulness programme, guided by expert practitioners and usability testing, for older Singaporean adults. This was followed by a pilot study to examine the potential cognitive benefits and feasibility of this self-training programme for the cognitive function of older adults in Singapore. We found that the results from the pilot study were suggestive but inconclusive, and thus, merit further investigation.

Digital mindfulness training and cognitive functions: A preregistered systematic review of neuropsychological findings

“…39 Of the four studies that found no effect, three used a web-based application and one applied a DVD program. 36 In addition to the lack of effect on inhibition, Polsinelli et al 35 could not identify any training-related improvement in emotion regulation. Training-related effects on self-control were investigated in one study.…”

“…Within the studies included, digital mindfulness training programs were investigated in children/adolescents, 34 older people, [35][36][37] as well as adults. [38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] Participants in all studies reported no physical, neurological, and/or psychological disabilities.…”

“…Their flexibility regarding the device used for application distinguishes them from computer-based programs (two studies). Furthermore, one study each focused on a mindfulness program applied via an audio file, 47 a DVD program, 36 or robot assistance. 38 The duration of the programs ranged from 1 day (for a single session) to 56 days (M = 23.58 days, SD = 18.38), with a mean of 6.15 sessions (SD = 16.36).…”

“…Five studies have documented findings pertaining to inhibition, selfcontrol, and emotion regulation. [35][36][37]39,50 Notably, one of these studies also encompassed broader executive functions, which, due to the constrained categorization, we have categorized as executive regulation. 50 Findings on executive functions show improvements following six weekly web-based mindfulness sessions, as well as in the follow-up.…”

Digital Mindfulness Trainings and Cognitive Functions – A preregistered systematic review of neuropsychological findings

“…Four studies included parameters that could not be assigned to either of the ve categories. Verbal uency was addressed in two studies but neither could identify signi cant intervention-related effects (Tam et al, 2017;Wahbeh et al, 2016).…”