Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Older Adults: a Review of the Effects on Physical and Emotional Well-Being

Abstract

This comprehensive review examined the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on the physical and emotional wellbeing of older adults, a rapidly growing segment of the general population. Search procedures yielded 15 treatment outcome studies meeting inclusion criteria. Support was found for the feasibility and acceptability of mindfulness-based interventions with older adults. Physical and emotional wellbeing outcome variables offered mixed support for the use of mindfulness-based interventions with older adults. Potential explanations of mixed findings may include methodological flaws, study limitations, and inconsistent modifications of protocols. These are discussed in detail and future avenues of research are discussed, emphasizing the need to incorporate geriatric populations into future mindfulness-based empirical research.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Older Adults: Differences between Baby Boomers and Pre-Boomers

“…A growing body of research is examining the efficacy of CAM for treating mental or substance disorders (15–17). Little of this research, however, has been done with older adults and of the studies in this group, most focus on dementia.…”

The effects of mindfulness‐based stress reduction on depression, anxiety, and stress in older adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Ageing is often linked with decline in cognitive functioning (Geiger et al . ; Tucker‐Drob ). Moreover, older adults are likely to develop long‐term diseases such as diabetes mellitus, dementia, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses, which are associated with escalated risks of comorbid mental health conditions (McBee ).…”

“…However, there is also growing evidence that MBSR may be potentially well‐suited for older adults; Geiger et al . () emphasized that MBSR's concept might be homogenous with older adults’ emotional regulating strategies. Older people tend to demonstrate greater emotional resilience and have a more accepting attitude than younger adults when facing emotional conflicts (Shallcross et al .…”

Comparative Effects of Mindfulness and Support and Information Group Interventions for Parents of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities

“…As noted, parents in the mindfulness group used it as a therapeutic space, but many did not carry out intensive mindfulness practice outside of sessions. Second, it may be that the mindfulness construct is less amenable to change in older parents than younger parents, especially if baseline mindfulness scores in older adults are higher to begin with (Geiger et al 2016). It is also possible that parents of adults, because their children are more likely to be home without the structure of school and children's programming, have less free time to practice.…”