Transcendental Meditation, mindfulness, and longevity: An experimental study with the elderly.
Charles N. Alexander, Ellen J. Langer, Ronnie I. Newman, Howard M. Chandler, John L. Davies
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 1989 DOI: 10.1037//0022-3514.57.6.950 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 73 |
| Population | Residents of homes for the elderly (mean age 81 years) |
| Intervention | mindfulness training |
| Duration | 3-year follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 297 |
| Key findings | The Transcendental Meditation program led to the greatest improvements in learning, cognitive flexibility, mental health, and blood pressure, with 100% survival after three years. |
Abstract
Can direct change in state of consciousness through specific mental techniques extend human life and reverse age-related declines? To address this question, 73 residents of 8 homes for the elderly (mean age = 81 years) were randomly assigned among no treatment and 3 treatments highly similar in external structure and expectations: the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program, mindfulness training (MF) in active distinction making, or a relaxation (low mindfulness) program. A planned comparison indicated that the "restful alert" TM group improved most, followed by MF, in contrast to relaxation and no-treatment groups, on paired associate learning; 2 measures of cognitive flexibility; mental health; systolic blood pressure; and ratings of behavioral flexibility, aging, and treatment efficacy. The MF group improved most, followed by TM, on perceived control and word fluency. After 3 years, survival rate was 100% for TM and 87.5% for MF in contrast to lower rates for other groups.