Effects of mindfulness training on sustained attention and mind-wandering in older adults: Results from the HealthyAgers randomized controlled trial.
Megan Fisher, Madhura Phansikar, James Teng, Nathan Mcpherson, Elizabeth J Duraney, Michael C. Mckenna, Anita Shankar, Courtney Blau, Rosie Canter, Christine Roberts, Stephanie Aghamoosa, Kathy D Wright, Rebecca Andridge, Ruchika S Prakash
The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences November 21, 2025 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaf235 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 150 |
| Population | Older adults aged 65-85 years |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Connectome-based predictive modeling Mindfulness-based stress reduction Mindfulness training Attentional control focus Concentration Cognitive control Geriatric cognition Elderly cognitive function Senior cognitive health Mental function Brain function |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction did not differentially improve most metrics of attentional control compared to an active control in older adults. |
Abstract
Older adults exhibit age-related declines in processes of attentional control, demonstrating an emergent need to identify mind-body interventions that support healthy cognitive aging. Mindfulness training is a promising intervention for improving attentional control processes, but relatively few methodologically rigorous studies have examined whether these effects extend to older adults. This pre-registered Stage II randomized controlled trial (RCT) of older adults (N = 150), aged 65-85 years, examined the effects of eight weeks of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) versus an active control training program on immediate and long-term metrics of attentional control. Compared with the active control, MBSR did not differentially improve most metrics of sustained attention or mind-wandering, although a small effect was observed for self-reported task-unrelated thoughts. Improvements were observed in Go/No-Go (GNG) dL over time. Additionally, Groups differed on the GNG reaction time coefficient of variability and the Conners Continuous Performance Test d' and reaction time variability. Our findings suggest that mindfulness training compared to an active control may not differentially enhance attentional control among older adults.
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
Cites 17
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Older Adults: Effects on Executive Function, Frontal Alpha Asymmetry and Immune Function Neuropsychobiology 2013
- Brief mindfulness meditation training reduces mind wandering: The critical role of acceptance. Emotion November 7, 2016
- Is mindfulness research methodology improving over time? A systematic review PLoS One October 31, 2017
- Meta-analytic evidence that mindfulness training alters resting state default mode network connectivity Scientific Reports July 18, 2022
and 12 more in the library