A Pilot Feasibility Study of Mindful Walking in Older Adults: Exploratory Bayesian Estimates of Psychological Distress and Alexithymia
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health June 25, 2026 Alessandro Germani, Antonella Lopez, Claudia Mirenghi et al.
An 8-week mindful walking program was tested in 13 community-dwelling older adults. The program showed high acceptability, satisfaction, and full adherence. Exploratory analyses indicated within-person reductions in depressive symptoms and alexithymia, with somatic symptoms decreasing notably by one-month follow-up. Mindfulness increased and was maintained, while mind wandering showed a probable long-term decrease. Psychological quality of life improved and stayed elevated, but physical, social, and environmental domains showed uncertain trends. Trait anxiety decreased after the program but returned toward baseline at follow-up; state anxiety and attachment styles remained stable. The authors suggest mindful walking may be feasible for older adults, with preliminary signals pending confirmation in controlled trials.