- Living Longer. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that the elderly could potentially increase their lifespan with the practice of meditation.
- Feelings of Loneliness May Decrease. Isolation and loneliness is a significant problem for seniors, which can lead to depression. According to a study by UCLA, the practice of mindful meditation for as little as eight weeks reduced loneliness.
- Improved Health and Feelings of Connectedness in Retirement Communities. The techniques taught for mindfulness meditation can easily be shown to residents in independent living and retirement communities as noted in a study found in Geriatric Nursing.
- Alzheimer’s May Be Slowed. Since Alzheimer’s can worsen under anxiety and stress, meditation and breathing exercises help protect the brain from stress, and thus slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Reduction in Healthcare Costs. It is possible that you may see less time in a hospital if you practice mindfulness meditation. A study found in the Journal of Social Behavior and Personality discovered that seniors practicing medication were hospitalized less often and for shorter periods.
Benefit of Mindfulness for Seniors
![](https://www.wel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Mindfullness.jpg)
Benefit of Mindfulness for Seniors
Mindfulness is a term that has been tossed around for years. Drawing from various aspects of Buddhism, mindfulness is not a specific belief system. It is a particular way of viewing the world and of living. Many describe it as a practice of “being in the now,” and often meditation is used to assist that outlook.
It has been suggested that practicing mindfulness meditation can reduce stress and create a sense of happiness. There are some additional benefits seniors can enjoy when they slow down and take time to be mindful. If you are looking for a new way to start your year, you might consider learning more about mindfulness.
5 Benefits of Practicing Mindful Meditation for Seniors
Here are 5 advantages of utilizing mindfulness techniques: