Using a Digital-Based Mindfulness Curriculum to Enhance Healthy Aging Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Taiwan: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.
Yu-Rung Wang, Pei-Lun Hsieh, Chia-Hsiu Chang, Chia-Chi Hsiao, Mei-Lien Hu
JMIR human factors May 13, 2026 DOI: 10.2196/84161 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed methods feasibility study Pilot study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 10 |
| Population | Older community-dwelling adults in Taiwan |
| Intervention | mindfulness-based elder care |
| Duration | 8-week intervention, 1-month follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Delphi method Digital learning Healthy aging Mixed methods Older adults |
| Key points | An 8-week theory-based mindfulness curriculum with digital support improved mindfulness, sleep quality, aging perception, healthy aging outlook, and physical function in older adults, while cognition, heart rate variability, and physical activity showed no significant changes. |
Abstract
Taiwan's status as a super-aged society underscores the need for efficient strategies to promote healthy aging. While the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for sleep and mental health are evident, there is a shortage of cultural adaptations for Taiwan's older adults. Current courses mainly focus on mindfulness-based stress reduction, while neglecting mindfulness-based elder care, and mindful sustainable aging principles. However, the abstract nature of some mindfulness concepts, combined with limited digital support and localized resources, makes it challenging for older adults to engage effectively. To enhance healthy aging outcomes in older community-dwelling adults in Taiwan, this study developed an 8-week theory-based mindfulness curriculum that combined the mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based elder care, and mindful sustainable aging frameworks with digital health support. This research employed a mixed methods feasibility study design. We used the modified Delphi method in phase 1 to reach agreement on curriculum content and digital material selection. Ten older adults participated in the pilot study, which comprised phase 2. We used quantitative measurements to assess mindfulness, sleep quality, cognition, heart rate variability, perceptions of aging, healthy aging perspectives, and physical function and activity at baseline, at weeks 4 and 8, and at a 1-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews were conducted to gather insights into participants' experiences. Participants achieved significant improvements in mindfulness, sleep quality, aging perception, healthy aging outlook, and physical function during the study (all P<.05). Cognition, heart rate variability, and physical activity levels showed no significant changes throughout the study. The qualitative data supported these findings, as participants selected simple practices, such as mindful breathing, which they practiced daily to enhance their emotional well-being and social connections. Participants valued the digital learning materials for aiding their practice; however, some older adults with reading difficulties faced challenges accessing the content. Using the Delphi method resulted in an acceptable and feasible theory-based digitally supported mindfulness program that improved several indicators of healthy aging in older adults in Taiwan. Our findings need to be validated using longer trials to assess cognitive and physiological effects. Furthermore, digital accessibility requires further development.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 9
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- Mindfulness Meditation and Improvement in Sleep Quality and Daytime Impairment Among Older Adults With Sleep Disturbances JAMA Internal Medicine February 16, 2015
- Mindful Sustainable Aging: Advancing a Comprehensive Approach to the Challenges and Opportunities of Old Age Europe’s Journal of Psychology August 19, 2015
- Design Preferences, Routines, and Well-Being of Older Adults Using Voice-Guided Digital Mindfulness: Qualitative Interview Study. JMIR human factors June 3, 2025
- Defining Mindfulness: A Review of Existing Definitions and Suggested Refinements Mindfulness 2025
and 4 more in the library