Effects of mindfulness meditation interventions on depression in older adults: A meta-analysis

Mindfulness-based interventions (MMIs) significantly improved depressive symptoms in older adults compared to control conditions, with a moderate-to-large effect size (0.65). Greater improvements were seen among Asian participants (effect size 1.28) than European (0.59) or North American (0.32) participants. Interventions lasting fewer than 5 weeks showed larger effects (1.47) than longer programs (0.55). MMIs that included guided meditation reduced depression more (0.91) than those without (0.42). Studies that conducted an a priori power analysis reported larger effects (1.0) than those that did not (0.35). The findings suggest MMIs may serve as an adjunct or alternative to conventional depression treatments for older adults.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Objective We examined the effects of MMIs on depression in older adults and explored the moderating effects of participant, methods, and intervention characteristics. Methods We systematically searched 15 databases through June 2019 without date restrictions using the following search terms: (mindful* OR meditat*) AND depress* AND (older adult* OR elder OR aging OR senior OR geriatric*). Inclusion criteria were primary studies evaluating MMIs with adults ≥65 years old with depression measured as an outcome, a control group, and written in English. Two researchers independently coded each study and compared for discrepancies and consulted a third researcher in cases of disagreement. We used random-effects model to compute effect sizes (ESs) using Hedges’ g, a forest plot, and Q and I2 statistics as measures of heterogeneity; we also examined moderator analyses. Results Nineteen studies included 1,076 participants (71.8 ± 5.2 years old). Overall, MMIs showed significantly improved depression (ES=.65, 95%CI 0.35, 0.94) compared to controls. With regards to moderators, Asians had a greater improvement in depression (1.28) than Europeans (.59) and North Americans (.32). Less than 5 weeks of MMIs showed greater improvement in depression (1.47) than longer periods (.55). MMIs with guided meditation reduced depression (.91) more than MMIs without (.42). Only one quality indicator, a priori power analysis, showed greater effects on depression (g = 1.0) than no power analysis (g=.35). Conclusion MMIs improved depressive symptoms in older adults. MMIs might be used as adjunctive or alternative to conventional treatment for depressed older adults.