Mindfulness interventions have modest beneficial effects on the mental health and well-being of older adults. A meta-analysis of 46 studies with samples averaging age 60 or older found an overall effect size of Hedges' g = 0.25. The type of intervention mattered: MBSR showed a non-significant effect (g = 0.12), while MBCT (g = 0.33) and other protocols (g = 0.36) were significant. Significant benefits appeared for mental functioning (g = 0.59), sleep (g = 0.39), depression (g = 0.35), anxiety (g = 0.32), mindfulness (g = 0.23), stress (g = 0.22), and other outcomes (g = 0.24). Targeted outcomes—those matched to the population's symptoms—yielded stronger effects (g = 0.30). The literature is limited by reliance on modified interventions not yet evaluated for effectiveness.
A four-week randomized controlled mindfulness intervention with college students (55 in the intervention group, 57 in the control group; mean age 21.4) found that improvements in daily state mindfulness predicted reductions in intrusive thinking, which in turn predicted lower depression and higher well-being. The intervention improved day-to-day mindfulness, cognitive interference, and sleep, but did not significantly affect physical activity, depression, or well-being. The beneficial effects of state mindfulness were observable over a lag of four days, supporting the idea that mindfulness is a key ingredient in mindfulness interventions. Physical activity, sleep, and practice quality did not mediate any effects. Maintaining high levels of mindfulness may directly benefit mental health.