The effectiveness of mindfulness-based meditation treatments for late life anxiety: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

A systematic review of seven randomized controlled trials (355 participants) found that mindfulness-based interventions with a meditation component reduce symptoms of anxiety in older adults. The interventions varied across studies, but all reported decreased anxiety post-intervention. The evidence is promising but limited, highlighting the need for more randomized controlled trials to guide clinical practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Objective Older adults are interested in mindfulness-based interventions with a meditation component for late life anxiety. This review examined the effectiveness of existing mindfulness-based interventions with a meditation component. Methods This systematic review was registered with the Joanna Briggs Institute on 2021-05-17, was guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and followed the PRISMA framework. Peer-reviewed randomized control trials were reviewed. A systematic literature search was conducted, using the following databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PsycINFO, CINAHL (EBSCO), and AMED. Results Of 2709 studies screened, seven eligible randomized controlled trials were included representing 355 participants. Sample sizes ranged from 36 to 141. Mindfulness-based meditation interventions used varied. Regardless of the mindfulness-based meditation intervention used, a reduction in symptoms of anxiety in participants was reported post-intervention. Results are reported through narrative summary and tables. Conclusions Based on the emerging literature of randomized controlled trials, mindfulness-based interventions with a meditation component appear to be promising in reducing symptoms of anxiety in older adults. These findings demonstrate a need for further randomized controlled trials to guide clinical practice.