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.
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 94
- Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects Psychological Inquiry October 19, 2007
- The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin May 14, 2012
- The meeting of meditative disciplines and western psychology: A mutually enriching dialogue. American Psychologist 2006
- Effects of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Transcendental Meditation on Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects With Coronary Heart Disease Archives of Internal Medicine June 12, 2006
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Improving Health, Quality of Life, and Social Functioning in Adults Campbell Systematic Reviews 2012
and 89 more in the library
Cites 17
- Physiological Effects of Transcendental Meditation Science March 27, 1970
- Meditation as an intervention in stress reactivity. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1976
- Breath Suspension During the Transcendental Meditation Technique Psychosomatic Medicine May 1, 1982
- Electrophysiologic Characteristics of Respiratory Suspension Periods Occurring During the Practice of the Transcendental Meditation Program Psychosomatic Medicine May 1, 1984
- Psychotherapeutic effects of transcendental meditation with controls for expectation of relief and daily sitting. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 1976
and 12 more in the library