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A Qualitative Approach to the Benefits of Meditation for Elderly Health

Putu Pranindya Maheswari

Jurnal Multidisiplin Indonesia January 23, 2026 DOI: 10.58344/jmi.v4i1.2615 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative review Peer reviewed
Population Elderly people
Intervention Meditation
Topics Anxiety Meditation
Keywords Feeling Qualitative research Coping psychology Life expectancy Population Intervention counseling Psychotherapist Mental health Clinical psychology Psychological intervention Health promotion Expectancy theory Flexibility engineering Worry Gerontology
Key findings Meditation provides holistic benefits for elderly health, encompassing emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects.

Abstract

Background: Analyzing the health benefits of meditation for the elderly through a qualitative approach, this study aims to provide readers with insights into the health benefits gained through meditation.The increase in life expectancy has led to a growing elderly population prone to physical and mental health decline, such as stress, sleep disturbances, and chronic diseases (Hypertension, etc.). Meditation is known as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to improve the quality of life. This study aims to deeply and holistically explore (qualitatively) the subjective experiences and meanings perceived by the elderly regarding the practice of meditation and its impact on their health.Method: The method used is qualitative by comparing several books and journals.

Results: Several main themes regarding the benefits of meditation were found: 1) Enhanced Emotional Well-being (sense of calm, reduced anxiety and stress); 2) Improved Physical Quality (better sleep quality, reduced Hypertension symptoms, increased energy); 3) Strengthening Spiritual Aspects (gratitude, feeling closer to God, life optimism); and 4) General Improvement in Quality of Life (more harmonious social relations).

Conclusion: Meditation provides significant holistic benefits for elderly health, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating meditation as a coping strategy and non-medical health promotion for the elderly population.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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Anxiety Meditation