Contribution by freelance writer Sally Keys
Around 18 million Americans have used meditation at some point in their lives, either as a pursuit on its own or as part of other popular holistic healing activities such as yoga or Tai Chi. What was once considered a “hippy pastime” is now an important part of healing therapies in a wide array of settings, including rehabilitation for substance abuse.
One way in which meditation is also coming to play an important role is in helping seniors sharpen their focus and improve their health, well-being, and overall happiness. In this post we discover why mindfulness meditation is an ideal hobby for those aged over 65.
Stand by Me
In one study carried out by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, mindfulness meditation was found to lower the risk of loneliness in older adults. The findings are vital because feeling lonely is considered a risk factor for everything from cardiovascular disease to Alzheimer’s in senior. The study also showed that this ancient Eastern practice lowers inflammation levels, which are linked to heart diseases and cancer – two conditions which older adults are at a greater risk of.
A Different Way to Train the Brain
Another study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that participating regularly in mindfulness meditation classes brings about positive changes in brain regions associated with memory, stress, and empathy. That is, it not only lowers stress but also provides cognitive and psychological benefits that last throughout the day.
Specifically, scientists found that those who meditate have experienced a thickening in the part of the brain associated with attention and emotional integration, as well as increased grey matter in the hippocampus: the part of the brain which is vital for learning and memory.
Seniors wishing to boost memory regularly usually follow a specific set of doctor’s recommendations, which include obtaining quality sleep, completing memory exercises, and practicing visualization exercises in order to recall important information.
Studies show that daily mindfulness meditation can play an important complementary role in promoting memory retention and processing of new information.
Meditation as a Source of Support
Research has shown that there are many spiritual strategies that seniors can rely on to battle loneliness, sadness and stress. These include prayer, music, art therapy, energy healing, religious counseling, and meditation.
Every human being faces stress on a daily basis, but it can be particularly dangerous for seniors, especially those who are already battling health issues. Chronic stress is linked to everything from high blood pressure to insulin resistance, as well as a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, and even digestive upset.
Mindfulness meditation is an excellent way for all human beings to relax, be more self-compassionate and feel more connected to their spiritual side. In seniors, this practice can wield powerful effects, by boosting their brain, helping them deal with loneliness, and helping them battle the ‘stress monster’, which can affect their physical and mental health and wrest from their quality of life.
More articles about meditation:
Master the Art of Meditation: A Complete Guide to the 10 Stages of Meditative Progress
11 Action-Filled Days at Suan Mokkh Silent Meditation Retreat
Disentangle From Your Thoughts and Emotions by Improving Attention and Mindfulness
