Supporting mental health through meditation: Perspectives from older adults with chronic diseases
Sofia von Humboldt, Isabel Leal
European Psychiatry June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.10662 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 426 |
| Population | Older adults aged 65-89 years with chronic diseases from Portuguese, English, and Brazilian backgrounds |
| Intervention | Meditation |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | Meditation was associated with reduced emotional burden, fewer depressive symptoms, and fewer emotional outbursts in older adults with chronic illnesses. The most common emotional theme was navigating illness and physical decline (90.4%), and the most common mental health theme was reduced emotional burden (83.8%). |
Abstract
Introduction: Meditation may serve as a protective factor for mental well-being in older adults, helping them cope with the ongoing challenges of chronic illness.
Objectives: The objectives are to: 1) explore the emotional experiences of meditation among older adults living with chronic diseases, and 2) examine the impact of meditation on their mental health.
Methods: The study involved 426 participants aged 65 to 89 years ( M = 74.7; SD = 4.76) from Portuguese, English, and Brazilian backgrounds. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis to identify key themes from participants’ experiences.
Results: For the first objective, six themes emerged: Navigating illness and physical decline (90.4%), Seeking meaning and purpose in life (86.6%), Strengthening self-identity (72.5%), Experiencing reduced dependence and pain (70.2%); Cultivating hopefulness (64.8%); and Prioritizing effective disease management (62.0%). For the second objective, three themes were identified: Reduced emotional burden (83.8%), Decrease in depressive symptoms (78.6%), and Fewer emotional outbursts (52.1%). Portuguese participants emphasized navigating the challenges of illness and physical decline, whereas Brazilian participants placed greater importance on seeking life’s purpose. In contrast, English participants highlighted a stronger connection between meditation and strengthening their self-identity.
Conclusions: The study reveals meditation’s significant impact on enhancing both physical and mental health among older adults living with chronic illnesses, demonstrating its value as a multifaceted support strategy in later years. Keywords Chronic conditions; meditation; mental health; older adults; qualitative study. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.