iRest Meditation for Older Adults with Depression Symptoms: 6-Month and 1-Year Follow-up

A preliminary study followed older adults with depression symptoms for 12 months after an iRest (Integrative Restoration) intervention. Twenty-five participants completed surveys at 6 and 12 months; nine still practiced guided meditations at 12 months. Both the iRest and vacation control groups showed improvements in depression scores from baseline to 12 months. No differences between groups emerged on depression symptoms or most measures, except negative mood and perceived stress improved more in the vacation group. Meditation practice did not predict depression score improvement.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Preliminary positive evidence supports the use of iRest (Integrative Restoration) in older adults with depression symptoms. No long-term follow-up measures have been reported on whether the preliminary effects continue beyond initial iRest trainings. The growing population of older adults with depression symptoms is a serious public health issue, and effective interventions to support this vulnerable population are warranted. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the depression and depression-related symptoms 6 and 12 months after an iRest intervention. All study measures were collected online. Twenty-five of the original participants completed the 6- and 12-month surveys. Of those, nine stated that they still practiced the guided meditations at the time of the 12-month follow-up (five iRest and four vacation participants). Both groups had improvements in depression scores from baseline (week 0) to the 12-month follow-up. There were no differences between groups on depression symptoms or other measures except for negative mood and perceived stress, which were improved in the vacation group compared to the iRest group. Meditation practice was not a significant predictor of depression score improvement.