Benefits Of Mindfulness For Seniors
Have you ever heard of mindfulness?
Mindfulness is all over the place these days. While this practice has been around for ages and requires nothing more that yourself, it has seen a surge in popularity in the western world.
Today, there are apps and guided meditations along with workshops and courses. You can read about it online or choose one of many books at the library or bookstore.
Mindfulness is everywhere.
What is Mindfulness?
For a basic introduction to the practice, see this cute, short video.
Mindfulness for Seniors
While mindfulness may be beneficial for all ages, there are several benefits that are particularly of interest to seniors. Take memory, for example, while mindfulness can improve it, seniors may appreciate this more than their younger counterparts.
But the benefits of mindfulness for seniors doesn’t end there, not even close.
Here are some of the impressive benefits of mindfulness for seniors.
- Better longevity
- Less loneliness
- Better health
- Lower health costs
- Better mood
- Slowing down Alzheimer’s
- Better sleep
Stress Reduction
One of the key features of mindfulness is it’s efficiency when it comes to stress reduction.
The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Center for Mindfulness, founded by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 has seen over 24,000 graduates of the program who have learned “how to use their innate resources and abilities to respond more effectively to stress, pain, and illness.”
This is very significant for many elders who often tend to either live in the future or get caught up with the past. While younger folk also worry, their day is broken up so they get a break. Seniors, however, may not have the same structure. Many are retired, so they don’t have the work break. This can lead to more rumination. With mindfulness, seniors can learn to focus on the present and slow down.
What are your thought on mindfulness for seniors?
Please share in the comments below.