Brief Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Seniors-An Exploratory Semi-Randomized Examination of Decentering Effects on Cognitive Functions and Psychological Distress.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) April 3, 2025 Ophir Katzenelenbogen, Daniela Aisenberg-Shafran
A short mindfulness-based intervention emphasizing decentering and a guided-imagery intervention both improved cognitive and emotional outcomes in community-dwelling seniors. Thirty older adults (average age 74.7) were assigned to either an 8-week decentering intervention, a guided-imagery intervention, or a care-as-usual control group. Both interventions involved weekly 20-minute sessions and daily 10-minute home practice. After the interventions, only the intervention groups showed reduced response time and improved accuracy on the Simon task, decreased depression levels, and increased positive relationships. The findings suggest these brief, easy-to-deliver protocols can enhance psychological and cognitive status in older adults.