Mindfulness Meditation as an Intervention for older adults struggling loneliness and stress

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a mindfulness meditation intervention on psychological and social well-being in older adults. Participants (N=26) were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness meditation group or an active control group engaging in a brain training app. Assessments were conducted at five different points throughout the study. Primary outcomes included self-reported levels of loneliness, perceived stress, mindfulness (via the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II), social interaction and satisfaction (Duke Social Support Index), and quality of life (Who quality of life questionnaire). Mixed-effects models were used to examine longitudinal changes while accounting for individual variability. Results indicated that, compared to the brain training group, the mindfulness group showed a significantly greater reduction in depression and a significantly improvement in the WHO quality of life Physical and Psychological subscales.