Effects of mindfulness meditation interventions on depression in older adults: A meta-analysis
Chuntana Reangsing, Tanapa Rittiwong, J. Schneider
Aging & Mental Health July 15, 2020 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1793901 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review and meta-analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,076 |
| Population | Adults aged 65 years or older with depression measured as an outcome |
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Key findings | Mindfulness-based interventions significantly improved depressive symptoms in older adults compared to controls. |
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.