Mindful Sustainable Aging: Advancing a Comprehensive Approach to the Challenges and Opportunities of Old Age
Europe’s Journal of Psychology August 19, 2015 Håkan Nilsson, Pia H. Bülow, Ali Kazemi 40 citations
This article introduces a new concept called mindful sustainable aging (MSA), which uses mindfulness practices to support physical, mental, social, and existential dimensions of old age. The authors compare MSA with four influential psychosocial theories in gerontology: activity theory, disengagement theory, successful aging theory, and gerotranscendence theory. They argue that MSA offers a more holistic framework that addresses existential meaning, which other theories may overlook. The article also reviews research on how mindfulness can help manage, diminish, or improve serious physical conditions common among older people. Throughout, the authors emphasize mindfulness's potential to help older adults find spiritual and existential meaning.