The Effect of Mindfulness and Compassion Program on Older Adults as a Positive Aging Intervention

An 8-week Mindfulness and Compassion Program (MCP) for adults aged 60 and older led to significant improvements in mindfulness and self-compassion, along with clinically meaningful enhancements in sleep quality. No significant changes were observed in social participation, suggesting the benefits stemmed from the mindfulness and compassion components rather than social interaction. The study used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with 27 participants. The authors argue that accessible interventions like MCP are essential for promoting positive aging as the global population ages, and call for large-scale studies to assess long-term efficacy.

Study at a glance

Abstract

With the growing aging population and increased life expectancy, research must focus on enhancing not only longevity but also biopsychosocial well-being and positive aging. This study evaluated the effects of a structured Mindfulness and Compassion Program (MCP) on mental health, pain, mindfulness, self compassion, sleep, and social participation in older adults. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design, 27 participants aged 60+ completed an 8-week MCP, ac-credited by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA), including an initial silent retreat. Baseline data included socio-demographics and vali-dated measures: Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self Compassion Scale (SCS), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). Pre- and post-intervention scores were com-pared using non-parametric tests. Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in mindfulness and self compassion, along with clinically meaningful sleep quality enhancements. No significant changes occurred in social participation (CIQ: p=.356), indicating treatment benefits stemmed from mindfulness and compassion components rather than social interaction. As the aging population grows globally, accessible and effective interventions like MCP are essential for promoting positive aging. This study is the first to examine a formal MCP integrating mindfulness, compassion, and self compassion. While promising, large-scale studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy. Further research should explore abbreviated online MCP versions for clinical populations. Such programs may also support lifelong learning in older adults.