Online Mindfulness for Later Life: a feasibility study of a Public Mental Health intervention to increase resilience for Older Adults
Adele Pacini, Naoko Kishita, G.A. Hawkins, Michelle S. Nicholson, Annabel Stickland, Rebecca L. Gould
medRxiv April 5, 2026 DOI: 10.64898/2026.04.01.26349967 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA public health mindfulness program for older adults proved feasible and acceptable. Of 33 screened, 31 were recruited, exceeding the target; 28 (90%) completed at least four of six weekly online sessions, meeting predefined success criteria for uptake and engagement. The program, based on mindfulness-based stress reduction, involved two-hour sessions with 10–15 participants. The authors conclude that a full-scale trial to assess clinical and cost effectiveness, including long-term effects, is warranted.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Feasibility study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | Older adults recruited through organizations and charities in the UK |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction program |
| Duration | Six weekly sessions of two hours each |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Psychological intervention Mental health Psychological resilience Intervention counseling |
| Key finding | The mindfulness for later life program met predefined feasibility indicators, with 90% of participants completing at least four sessions. |
Abstract
Abstract Background Resilience is acknowledged to be an important component for successful aging in older adults, but there is scant evidence with which to inform public health interventions for this age group. The aim of this study is to determine whether the public health intervention, ‘mindfulness for later life’ is both feasible and acceptable to older adults. Methods Participants were recruited from September 2021 to June 2022 through older adult organisations and charities, such as the University of the Third Age, Age UK, and Age Concern, and by adverts distributed through village newsletters and support organisations. Participants were offered six weekly sessions of mindfulness therapy, the program was based on the mindfulness-based stress reduction program, each session was two hours long with 10-15 participants per program. The following two pre-defined indicators of success needed to be met for the program to be deemed feasible: successful uptake (recruitment of 30 participants over nine months) and initial engagement (≥70% completing at least four online sessions). Results Thirty-three potential participants were screened for eligibility over nine months, 31 of whom were recruited to the study (103% of the target sample). Of these, 28 participants (90%) completed four or more online sessions. Thus, predefined indicators of feasibility were met. Conclusions This study supports the feasibility of delivering the mindfulness for later life program as a public health intervention, including recruitment and treatment completion. A full-scale trial to assess the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of the intervention including its long-term effects is warranted.