Read our infographic to discover the many benefits of mindfulness for older adults.
Mindfulness: A Definition
The practice of mindfulness can be described as the cultivation of a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment in a way that is focused, calm and non-judgemental. Mindfulness is typically practiced through meditative and therapeutic exercises such as breathing or yoga. It offers a much-needed counterbalance to those many times in which we switch our brain onto autopilot mode in order to deal with the demands and stresses of everyday life.
What is Mindful Ageing?
Mindful ageing applies the principles of mindfulness to ageing. This approach encourages older adults to accept the positive as well as the negative aspects of getting older. As such, it can be a helpful coping mechanism for dealing with the challenges and changes that occur as you age.
The Benefits of Mindfulness for Older Adults
In recent years, there has been a raft of studies which highlight the positive health effects of mindfulness specifically among older adults. Researchers have linked mindfulness with a diverse range of positive physical and emotional outcomes among those aged 65+ such as:
- Better sleep quality
- Improved memory retention
- Reduced stress and anxiety levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved coping skills for chronic illnesses
- Less likely to feel depressed or lonely
Learn More About Mindfulness for Older Adults
If you are interested in the topic of mindful ageing and would like to learn more, we recommend that you read our infographic. This helpful guide offers an easy-to-understand overview of mindfulness and its benefits. It explains mindful ageing and goes through the many ways in which it can benefit older adults. This guide also features some practical pointers to help you incorporate mindfulness into your everyday routine.
