Navigating the Storm: How Does Meditation Influence Mental Health Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions?

Meditation helps older adults with chronic illness manage both physical and mental health. In interviews with 567 people aged 65–91 from Portugal, England, and Brazil, six themes emerged around illness: integrating physical decline (90.1%), exploring life's purpose (87.5%), focusing on self-concept (73.0%), feeling less pain and dependence (71.1%), feeling more hopeful (66.1%), and focusing on effective treatment (60.3%). Three themes related to mental health: less emotional burden (82.0%), fewer depressive symptoms (79.2%), and fewer emotional outbursts (50.1%). Portuguese participants focused on managing illness; Brazilians emphasized meaning and hope; English participants linked meditation to improved self-identity.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Meditation can act as a protection for mental well-being in late years, by helping older adults to challenge the pervasive effects of chronic illness. The primary objectives of this qualitative research study are to: (a) to examine older adults’ experiences of meditation while living with chronic disease, and (b) to analyze how meditation is perceived to influence their mental health. The sample included 567 participants from three different nationalities (Portuguese, English, and Brazilian), ranging from 65 to 91 years old ( M = 73.4; SD = 4.55). In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, and content analysis was employed to identify key themes that emerged from participants’ experiences. For the first objective, six themes emerged: Integrating the challenges of illness and physical decline (90.1%), Exploring the purpose of living (87.5%), Focusing on self-concept (73.0%), Feeling less pain and dependence (71.1%); Feeling more hopeful (66.1%); and Focusing on effective disease treatment (60.3%). For the second objective, three themes were identified: Less emotional burden (82.0%), Less depressive symptoms (79.2%), and Less emotional outbursts (50.1%). Portuguese participants expressed a strong focus on managing the challenges of illness, while Brazilian participants highlighted a greater emphasis on finding meaning in life and enhancing hopefulness. In contrast, English participants identified a more pronounced link between meditation and improvements in self-identity. The study highlights the critical role of meditation, in managing both the physical and mental health of older adults with chronic diseases and underscores the value of meditation as a comprehensive support in old age.