Friday, July 27, 2012

Mindfulness Meditation Could Benefit Elderly

by Chris Curley on July 26, 2012

Mindfulness meditation may help older people deal with their loneliness, a new study led by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University says.

After eight weeks of mindfulness meditation training to reduce stress (two-hour meetings once per week, plus 30 minute of daily personal meditation sessions), adults ages 55 to 85 experienced significant reductions in emotional stress and markers for inflammation in the bloodstream. Inflammation is a risk factor for cancer, heart disease, and cognitive diseases, the researchers note.

?We know that loneliness is a major risk factor for health problems and mortality in older adults,? says lead author J. David Creswell, Ph.D. Mindfulness meditation training represents ?a promising intervention for improving the health of older adults,? he says.

?If you?re interested in using mindfulness meditation, find an instructor in your city,? he suggests. ?It?s important to train your mind like you train your biceps in the gym.?

Bright-light therapy and Tai Chi practice have also demonstrated some success with treating depression in old age, earlier studies show.

The study appears online in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.

Related posts:

  1. Mindfulness Meditation May Improve Brain Heath
  2. Meditation Improves Emotional Health, Study Suggests
  3. Find the Kind of Meditation That?s Right for You
  4. Mindfulness and Cutting Stress May Help Women Lose Weight
  5. Teenage Boys Can Benefit from Mindfulness Training

Source: http://wellbeingwire.meyouhealth.com/emotional-health/mindfulness-meditation-could-benefit-elderly/

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