Innovation in Aging
December 1, 2025
Natalia E. Morone, Tra Nguyen, Keturah R Faurot et al.
Abstract Mindfulness is recommended as a first-line non-pharmacologic treatment for chronic low back pain (cLBP). However, accessibility is challenging. The OPTIMUM trial (Optimizing Pain Treatment In Medical settings Using Mindfulness) compared a telehealth-delivered group mindfulness program for primary care patients with cLBP to usual care. Here we describe the methods of this investigation,...
Innovation in Aging
December 1, 2025
Tony V Pham
Abstract Up to 78% of older Black individuals experience chronic musculoskeletal pain. Among older Black individuals, chronic pain co-occurs with depression and early cognitive decline, and these co-morbidities worsen physical function. Addressing chronic pain and its co-morbidities among older Black adults is a public health priority. We utilized the Community Engagement (CE) Studio Toolkit to...
Innovation in Aging
December 1, 2025
Dalit Zaguri-Greener, Ruth Lopez, Anna Zisberg
Abstract Background Family caregivers of nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia often experience high emotional and logistical burden. While most models emphasize stress and coping, fewer address meaning-making and personal growth. This study applies Reed’s Self-Transcendence (ST) Theory to explore how caregiving may foster adaptation and meaning after placement. Objective To...
Innovation in Aging
December 1, 2025
Kushang Patel
Abstract Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are evidence-based treatments for managing chronic pain in adults. However, few studies have assessed heterogeneity in the effectiveness of remotely delivered MBIs by age. Given the high burden of pain among older adults and the potential scalability of telehealth MBIs, we explored potential age differences in the effectiveness of two 8-week...
Innovation in Aging
December 31, 2024
Do Thi Thu Huyen, Moonkyoung Park, Xianqi Gao
Abstract Background The migration of old adults Chinese often involves accompanying their children to assist with caregiving for the younger generation, a strategy that addresses the shortfall in familial support.However, it remains unclear whether these old adults migrants can effectively adapt to their new environments, maintain their daily lives, and age successfully. Access to psychological...
Innovation in Aging
December 31, 2024
Cristina De Rosa, Yu-Ping Chang
Abstract Older adults living in underserved and racial/ethnic minority communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond faced challenges regarding access to mental health care, compounded by additional vulnerability to disease. Technological solutions such as mobile applications provide great opportunities to address mental health concerns. This qualitative, descriptive analysis explores...
Innovation in Aging
December 21, 2023
Nirmala Lekhak, Tirth Bhatta, Carolyn Streb et al.
Abstract It has been established that contemplative practices such as meditation can aid in stress management and the prevention of mental health issues. However, whether one of these techniques, such as loving-kindness meditation (LKM), is feasible for promoting later-life self-compassion, reducing loneliness, and maintaining mental health is unclear. This study examined the feasibility and...
Innovation in Aging
December 21, 2023
Nirmala Lekhak, Tirth Bhatta, Eva Kahana et al.
Abstract Background & Significance Prior research has consistently established the role of meditation as a coping resource to mitigate the adverse impacts of stressful life situations on mental health. Yet, our understanding of mechanisms that transmit the positive effects of meditation on mental health among older adults is limited. Specifically, little research has examined the impact of...
Innovation in Aging
December 21, 2023
Cecile A Lengacher, Richie Reich
Abstract The purpose of this R01 trial was to evaluate the efficacy of MBSR(BC) compared to the Breast Cancer Education Support program(BCES) or Usual Care(UC) regimens for improvement in cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors(BCS) who received (CT), or CT and radiation. Methods: BCS (212) were randomized to MBSR(BC) (n=91) or BCES(90) or UC (n = 31) with MBSR(BC) and BCES...
Innovation in Aging
December 1, 2021
Nirmala Lekhak, Tirth Bhatta, T. Goler et al.
Abstract Contemplative practices have been used as coping resources to reduce the negative influences of adverse life situations on mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted older adults, causing immense uncertainty, stress, and anxiety. By using data from our “Coping with Pandemic” nationwide web-based survey (n=1861), we examine the utilization of practices such as...
Innovation in Aging
December 16, 2020
Leeann Mahlo, T. Windsor
Abstract Few studies have focused on the utility of mindfulness-meditation for well-being in older adults. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of an app-based mindfulness-meditation program for community-based older adults. A convenience sample of 46 participants aged between 63 and 81 (M = 70.85, SD = 4.70) was recruited from the community. Participants were...
Innovation in Aging
December 16, 2020
Nirmala Lekhak, Tirth Bhatta
Abstract Contemplative practices such as meditation, yoga, and prayer had been used as coping resources to reduce the adverse impacts of stressful life experiences. Despite emerging scholarship on the benefits of contemplative practices for cognitive health, scant research has examined the influence of such practices on both episodic and working memory among women in later life. While the use...