Online mindfulness training for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a randomized controlled trial using a multi-method assessment approach.
Ekaterina Denkova, Jordan Barry, Anthony P Zanesco, Joshua Rooks, Scott L. Rogers, Amishi P. Jha
Aging & Mental Health September 13, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2242301 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 53 |
| Population | Older adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Intervention | Mindfulness Training (MT) |
| Duration | 4-week course, with testing at baseline (T1), 4 weeks (T2), and 8 weeks (T3) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Emotions Mental health Aged Pandemics Covid-19 Aging Cognition Well-being Experience sampling |
| Key findings | A 4-week online, trainer-led mindfulness training course may improve some, but not all, aspects of mindfulness and emotional well-being in older adults. No significant effects were found for psychological health or cognitive performance. |
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic drastically accelerated the need for studies examining the effectiveness of programs to bolster psychological well-being, particularly for at-risk groups, such as older adults (OAs). Mindfulness Training (MT) has been suggested as a well-suited program for this purpose. The present study examined the impact of a 4-week online, trainer-led MT course tailored for OAs during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: Fifty-three OAs were randomly assigned to either Group A or Group B. Group A received the online MT course during the 4-week interval between the first (T1) and second (T2) testing sessions, while Group B received the same MT course during the interval between T2 and the third testing session (T3). The testing sessions included measures of mindfulness, emotional well-being, psychological health, and cognitive performance. In addition, a very brief survey was sent every week during the T1-T2 and T2-T3 intervals to assess weekly emotional well-being.
Results: The findings revealed that MT may improve some, albeit not all, aspects of mindfulness and well-being, while no significant results were noted for outcomes measuring psychological health and cognitive performance.
Conclusions: These findings are discussed in the context of the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Cognitive, psychological, and physiological effects of a web-based mindfulness intervention in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: an open study. BMC Geriatrics February 14, 2024
- Effects of online mindful stretching exercises for loneliness, mindfulness, and hair cortisol: A mixed method study. Explore June 26, 2025
- Using a Digital-Based Mindfulness Curriculum to Enhance Healthy Aging Outcomes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Taiwan: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study. JMIR human factors May 13, 2026
- Benefits and Challenges of Delivering Meditation Instruction Live Online: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic Regarding Accessibility and Connection Mindfulness March 26, 2025
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