Mindfulness-based stress reduction and loneliness in older adults: two randomized controlled trials.
Janine M. Dutcher, Kirk W Brown, Emily K. Lindsay, Carol M. Greco, Aidan G.C. Wright, Autumn M Gallegos, Kathi L Heffner, J David Creswell
The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences November 5, 2025 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaf178 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Older adults |
| Interventions | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Health Enhancement Program |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Psychological interventions Social isolation Well-being |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction significantly reduced loneliness in older adults compared to a waitlist control in one trial, and both MBSR and a Health Enhancement Program reduced loneliness to a similar degree in a second trial. |
Abstract
Loneliness is one of the most robust risk factors for morbidity and accelerated mortality among older adults, and effective interventions are needed. However, interventions to reduce loneliness have shown limited success, especially in this population. Indeed, research suggests that simply increasing social contact might not combat loneliness; instead, addressing the cognitive and emotional mechanisms of loneliness might be more effective. Here, in two randomized controlled trials (RCT), we explored whether mindfulness training could reduce loneliness. This study tested an 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program on loneliness in older adults across two RCTs. Study 1 compared MBSR to a waitlist (WL) control, and Study 2 compared MBSR to the Health Enhancement Program (HEP). From baseline to follow-up, MBSR significantly reduced loneliness compared to WL in Study 1 (b = -1.680, SE = 0.273, 95% CI [-3.325, -0.034], p = .045, β = -0.402). In Study 2, MBSR and HEP both reduced loneliness (main effect of time: b = -3.598, SE = 0.957, 95% CI [-5.481, -0.1.716], p < .001, β = -0.378), with no significant difference between conditions. Baseline depressive symptoms, perceived stress, sex, age, or homework did not reliably moderate effects on reducing loneliness. These findings suggest that both MBSR and HEP may be promising approaches to addressing loneliness in older adults with effects lasting for months.