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Exploring the Design of a LLM-Based AI Assistant for Mindfulness Practice With Older Adults

Lucy McCarren, Ulrika Eriksson, Laura Ortiz Mengual, Sanna Kuoppamäki

International Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems April 13, 2026 DOI: 10.1145/3772318.3790734 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 16
Population Older adults
Topics Meditation
Key findings Older adults experienced tensions between adaptivity and autonomy, supportive versus intrusive engagement, and AI emotional support versus human connection. Design considerations should address these tensions to create LLM-based mindfulness tools that respect older adults' autonomy and self-regulation.

Abstract

Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly integrated into mental health and well-being technologies, yet little is known about how they are perceived by older adults or how they should be designed to meet later-life needs. Mindfulness technologies, often promoted as tools for healthy ageing, provide a useful context for exploring these questions. We conducted participatory workshops with sixteen older adults using LugnAI, a prototype LLM-based system for guided mindfulness practice. Participants reflected on their experiences with AI-guided mindfulness and contributed design preferences for future systems. Analysis revealed tensions between adaptivity and autonomy, supportive versus intrusive engagement strategies, and AI-enabled emotional support versus the preservation of human connection and self-regulation practices. Based on these findings, we provide concrete design considerations for LLM-based mindfulness technologies that are sensitive to the socioaffective realities of ageing. While situated in mindfulness, the insights extend to broader applications of LLMs in supporting older adults’ well-being.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists Western Buddhist meditation practitioners and experts in Theravāda, Zen, and Tibetan... 2017 Qualitative study with mixed-methods
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on Nurse Stress and Burnout Nurses in a hospital system 2004 Implementation study with mixed methods
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
A qualitative study of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for depression Participants in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in a mental-health context 2001 Qualitative study n = 7
Effortless awareness: using real time neurofeedback to investigate correlates of posterior cingulate cortex activity in meditators' self-report Meditators 2013 Qualitative study using grounded theory methodology

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