Effects of mindfulness training on quality of life and well-being in older adults: a randomized controlled trial.
Marcelo Vasconcelos Mapurunga, Daniela Rodrigues de Oliveira, Solange Andreoni, Vicente Sarubbi, Ana Claudia Bonilha, Vania D'Almeida, Luciana Tomita, Luiz Roberto Ramos, Marcelo Demarzo
Aging & Mental Health April 12, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2025.2488890 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Older adults |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion (MBHP) program computer-based cognitive stimulation |
| Duration | Four-month intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Cognitive stimulation Older adults Quality of life Well-being |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | The MBHP program did not significantly improve quality of life compared to cognitive stimulation, but it improved stress, anxiety, intrinsic religiosity, and sleep quality. |
Abstract
To investigate the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion (MBHP) program on quality of life (QOL) and well-being in older adults compared to an active control group. A randomized controlled trial nested within a cohort study was conducted. Participants were allocated to either the MBHP intervention or an active control group (ACG) receiving computer-based cognitive stimulation. Outcomes included QOL, psychological health, sleep quality, and religiosity. Both interventions lasted four months. A mixed-methods approach was used, collecting qualitative and quantitative data at baseline and post-intervention. Statistically significant improvements in QOL were observed only in the ACG. However, the MBHP group showed improvements in stress, anxiety, intrinsic religiosity, and sleep quality compared to the ACG. Qualitative findings indicated enhanced perceptions of social support, self-awareness, self-care, and sleep quality in the MBHP group. Notably, a discrepancy emerged between the QOL quantitative results and the subjective improvements described in interviews. The MBHP program did not significantly improve QOL compared to the cognitive stimulation control. Nonetheless, well-being indicators were positively impacted in the MBHP group. Future research should explore which profiles of older adults might benefit most from regular mindfulness practice.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Mindfulness in the Brazilian National Health System (SUS): Why Training Instructors Is Not Expensive but Strategic and Cost-Effective Qeios August 31, 2026
- The effects of meditation–based interventions on sleep quality among adults aged ≥ 55 with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta–analysis Geriatric Nursing August 10, 2026
- Intervention effects of subconscious cultivation in mindfulness-based physical education teaching and training on pain perception and psychological resilience in advanced cancer patients Psycho-Oncologie December 17, 2025
- Easing the burden: a pilot study on the impact of mindfulness on the mental health of Brazilian medical students. BMC Medical Education August 1, 2025
Cites 30
- The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 2003
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine May 1, 2009
- Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse JAMA Psychiatry April 28, 2016
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention on Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life: Is Increased Mindfulness Indeed the Mechanism? Annals of Behavioral Medicine June 1, 2008
and 25 more in the library