iRest Meditation for Older Adults with Depression Symptoms: A Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helané Wahbeh ◽  
Melissa Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Home Practice ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Growing Population

Abstract Older adults, a rapidly growing population in the United States, have fewer physiological reserves and are more likely to be affected by stress, making them especially susceptible to depression symptoms. Meditation offers promising potential as an effective treatment; however, few studies have evaluated meditation interventions for this demographic. The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an iRest meditation program in older adults with depression symptoms and to collect preliminary data on its effect on depression and depression-related symptoms compared to a vacation control. The study occurred at the Institute of Noetic Sciences EarthRise Retreat Center and participants' homes. Thirty generally healthy older adults, aged 55–90, with depression symptoms were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to a 2-day retreat of either iRest meditation training or vacation. After the retreat, participants were asked to complete 20 minutes of home practice per day for 6 weeks; this consisted of either guided meditations (iRest) or music (vacation). Data were collected pre- and post-retreat and then 6 weeks later. Measures included depression-related variables (expectancy, depression symptoms, perceived stress, resilience, pain, sleep quality, and spirituality) and biomarkers (voice stress analysis, heart rate, heart rate variability). We found the iRest intervention for older adults with depression symptoms to be feasible and acceptable. Preliminary results at 6 weeks demonstrated improvements in sleep impairment in older adults compared to the control group and promising trends in improvements in depression symptoms and pain severity.

scholarly journals Effects of the Intervention “Reflective STRENGTH-Giving Dialogues” for Older Adults Living with Long-Term Pain: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lena Hedén ◽  
Mia Berglund ◽  
Catharina Gillsjö
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms

Background. Long-term musculoskeletal pain is a major, often undertreated, disabling health problem among an increasing number of older adults. Reflective STRENGTH-giving dialogues (STRENGTH) may be a tool to support older adults living with long-term pain. The main aim of this pilot study was to investigate the immediate and longitudinal effect of the intervention STRENGTH on levels of pain, wellbeing, occurrence of depression symptoms, and sense of coherence (SOC) among community-dwelling older adults suffering from musculoskeletal pain compared to a control group. Methods. The study was semiexperimental with an intervention group and a control group. The effect of a single STRENGTH intervention was reported on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) regarding pain and wellbeing. To evaluate the longitudinal effect of STRENGTH, using the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), the Geriatric Depression Scale-20 (GDS-20), SOC-13 at baseline (T1), and six months after the intervention/no intervention (T2), a total of 30 older adults, aged 72 to 97 years (Mdn 86 years), were included consecutively and fulfilled the intervention series (n = 18) or untreated controls (n = 12). Results. The intervention with STRENGTH decreases pain (NRS 6 Mdn versus NRS 4 Mdn, p<0.001) and increases wellbeing (NRS 7 Mdn versus NRS 8 Mdn, p<0.001). After a six-month study period with STRENGTH, no longitudinal effect difference was found compared to baseline. Compared to the control group, there was an increasing trend between decreased pain level and increased SOC level for STRENGTH intervention. Conclusions. This pilot study supports STRENGTH’s effect as a pain-alleviating model that provides a decrease in pain levels and an increase of wellbeing in older adults with long-term pain. STRENGTH dialogues could be a useful intervention to provide individually holistic care in older adults living with long-term pain.

scholarly journals Evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on cognitive function and quality of life in nondemented older adults : a pilot study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group

Adults over the age of 65 years are now the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population. Although individual differences exist, aging is commonly associated with impairments in executive function. The present pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on improving executive functioning in older adults, while additionally decreasing perceived stress and improving psychological wellbeing. It was hypothesized that compared with an active control group, the MBSR group would display significant improvements in executive functioning, mood, self-esteem, and perceived stress. Participants were randomly assigned to either MBSR (n=40) or an active control group (n=32). Results suggest that MBSR is associated with significantly enhanced quality of life compared with the control condition. No additional significant results were found. A full-scale study will be necessary to clarify the present results.

scholarly journals Comparison of the effects of open vs. closed skill exercise on the acute and chronic BDNF, IGF-1 and IL-6 response in older healthy adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Behrendt ◽  
Franziska Kirschnick ◽  
Lasse Kröger ◽  
Phillip Beileke ◽  
Maxim Rezepin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Exercise Session ◽  
Training Intervention ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Effects

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence shows that physical exercise has a positive effect on the release of neurotrophic factors and myokines. However, evidence regarding the optimal type of physical exercise for these release is still lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the acute and chronic effects of open-skill exercise (OSE) compared to closed-skill exercise (CSE) on serum and plasma levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNFS, BDNFP), and serum levels of insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in healthy older adults. Methods To investigate acute effects, thirty-eight participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention (badminton (aOSE) and bicycling (aCSE), n  = 24, 65.83 ± 5.98 years) or control group (reading (CG), n  = 14, 67.07 ± 2.37 years). Blood samples were taken immediately before and 5 min after each condition. During each condition, heart rate was monitored. The mean heart rate of aOSE and aCSE were equivalent (65 ± 5% of heart rate reserve). In a subsequent 12-week training-intervention, twenty-two participants were randomly assigned to either a sport-games (cOSE, n  = 6, 64.50 ± 6.32) or a strength-endurance training (cCSE, n  = 9, 64.89 ± 3.51) group to assess for chronic effects. Training intensity for both groups was adjusted to a subjective perceived exertion using the CR-10 scale (value 7). Blood samples were taken within one day after the training-intervention. Results BDNFS, BDNFP, IGF-1, and IL-6 levels increased after a single exercise session of 30 min. After 12 weeks of training BDNFS and IL-6 levels were elevated, whereas IGF-1 levels were reduced in both groups. However, only in the cOSE group these changes were significant. We could not find any significant differences between the exercise types. Conclusion Our results indicate that both exercise types are efficient to acutely increase BDNFS, BDNFP, IGF-1 and IL-6 serum levels in healthy older adults. Additionally, our results tend to support that OSE is more effective for improving basal BDNFS levels after 12 weeks of training.

scholarly journals Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) Improves Depression Symptoms in Older Adults

Medicines ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helané Wahbeh
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression Symptom ◽  
Home Practice ◽  
Waitlist Control ◽  
Insomnia Symptoms

Background: Older adults have fewer physiological reserves and are more likely to be affected by stress. Mindfulness meditation has the potential to be an effective treatment for depression, but little research has been conducted on older adults. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate depression symptom changes in older adults (55–80 years old) taking an Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) compared to a waitlist control. The secondary aims were to collect data on pain, perceived stress, resilience, mindfulness, sleep quality, and spirituality. Methods: Fifty older adults were randomized to either the Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention, a six-week online intervention with daily home practice, or a waitlist control. Measures were collected at baseline, after the six-week intervention period, and again six weeks later after the waitlist participants completed IMMI. Adherence to home practice was objectively measured with iMINDr. Changes in outcomes for the IMMI and waitlist participants were compared. All participants who completed IMMI were then combined for a within-participant analysis. Results: Adherence to the intervention was low, likely due to a traumatic event in the local area of the participants. Compared to the waitlist participants, those in IMMI had improved depression symptoms (p < 0.00005), perceived stress (p = 0.0007), insomnia symptoms ((p = 0.0009), and pain severity (p = 0.05). In the within-participant analysis of all data before and after IMMI (i.e., those initially randomized to IMMI and waitlist participants who took it), we found improvements in depression symptoms (p = 0.0001), perceived stress (p = 0.0001), insomnia symptoms (p < 0.00005), pain interference (p = 0.003), and spirituality (p = 0.018). A seven-week follow-up after the original six-week IMMI program showed sustained improvements in the IMMI participants. Conclusions: IMMI improved depression and related symptoms compared to controls despite minimal support from study staff. IMMI offers a low-dose, low-cost, easily accessible mindfulness meditation intervention for older adults with depression symptoms.

scholarly journals Evaluating the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on cognitive function and quality of life in nondemented older adults : a pilot study.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasha Mallya
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group

Adults over the age of 65 years are now the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population. Although individual differences exist, aging is commonly associated with impairments in executive function. The present pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on improving executive functioning in older adults, while additionally decreasing perceived stress and improving psychological wellbeing. It was hypothesized that compared with an active control group, the MBSR group would display significant improvements in executive functioning, mood, self-esteem, and perceived stress. Participants were randomly assigned to either MBSR (n=40) or an active control group (n=32). Results suggest that MBSR is associated with significantly enhanced quality of life compared with the control condition. No additional significant results were found. A full-scale study will be necessary to clarify the present results.

scholarly journals Multidimensional Sleep Health and Physical Functioning in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 428-428
Author(s):  
Caitlan Tighe ◽  
Ryan Brindle ◽  
Sarah Stahl ◽  
Meredith Wallace ◽  
Adam Bramoweth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
The United States ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Sleep Health ◽  
Lower Extremity Strength ◽  
Sleep Parameters

Abstract Prior studies link specific sleep parameters to physical functioning in older adults. Recent work suggests the utility of examining sleep health from a multidimensional perspective, enabling consideration of an individual’s experience across multiple different sleep parameters (e.g., quality, duration, timing). We examined the associations of multidimensional sleep health with objective, performance-based measures of physical functioning in older adults. We conducted a secondary analysis of 158 adults (Mage=71.8 years; 51.9% female) who participated in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) 2 and MIDUS Refresher studies. We used data from daily diaries, wrist actigraphy, and self-report measures to derive a composite multidimensional sleep health score ranging from 0-6, with higher scores indicating better sleep health. Physical function was assessed using gait speed during a 50-foot timed walk, lower extremity strength as measured by a chair stand test, and grip strength assessed with dynamometers. We used hierarchical regression to examine the associations between sleep health and gait speed, lower extremity strength, and grip strength. Age, sex, race, education, depression symptoms, medical comorbidity, and body mass index were covariates in each model. In adjusted analyses, better multidimensional sleep health was significantly associated with faster gait speed (B=.03, p=.01). Multidimensional sleep health was not significantly associated with lower limb strength (B=-.12, p=.89) or grip strength (B=.45, p=.40). Gait speed is a key indicator of functional capacity as well as morbidity and mortality in older adults. Multidimensional sleep health may be a therapeutic target for improving physical functioning and health in older adults.

scholarly journals 400 - Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training with an Elderly Community Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
M Pires ◽  
A Antunes ◽  
C Gameiro ◽  
C Pombo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Before And After

Community-focused programs that promote active and healthy aging can help preserve cognitive capacities, prevent or reverse cognitive deficits. Computer-based cognitive training (CCT) is a promising non-pharmacological, cost -effective and accessible intervention to face the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Previous studies proved CCT to have equal or better efficacy compared to traditional interventions. This comparative multifactorial study aims to test the efficacy of a CCT in a non-randomized community sample of 74 older adults: G1-CCT Experimental group (n=43) (Mean age M=72.21, SD=12.65) and G2- Paper-Pencil Control group (n=31; M=77.94, SD=10.51). Pensioners (97.3%), mostly women (83.8 %) with basic education (51.4%) and without dementia diagnosis, completed a cognitive training program of 17 or 34 group sessions (twice a week). G2 undertook a classic cognitive paper-pencil stimuli tasks. G1, performed, additionally, individual CCT with COGWEB® in a multimodal format (intensive training of attention, calculation, memory, gnosis, praxis, executive functions). Both groups completed Portuguese versions of Mini -Mental State Examination (MMSE),Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA); Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS); Mini Dependence Assessment (MDA); WHOOQL 5 and Social Support Satisfaction Scale (ESSS) before and after participating in the program. Both groups reported better post-test scores on basic cognitive functions (MMSE, MOCA), Depression symptoms (GDS-30), subjective well-being and quality of life (WHOOQL-5). G1 presented higher MOCA and lower GDS scores before and after CCT, although, group differences become less expressive when interaction effects are considered. Results are in line with findings from past studies, CCT supported by the new technologies, is as a relevant cost-effective therapeutic tool for health professionals working with older adults. Particularly for preventive purposes of neuro-cognitive disorders.

Effect of exercise training on heart rate variability in healthy older adults

1999 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
pp. 567-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phyllis K. Stein ◽  
Ali A. Ehsani ◽  
Peter P. Domitrovich ◽  
Robert E. Kleiger ◽  
Jeffrey N. Rottman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Healthy Older Adults

The Influence of Social Networks and Supports on Depression Symptoms: Differential Pathways for Older Korean Immigrants and Non-Hispanic White Americans

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haesang Jeon ◽  
James Lubben
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
The United States ◽  
Korean Immigrants ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Older Korean Immigrants ◽  
Hispanic White

Objectives: The current cross-cultural study examines the pathways underlying different formations of social networks and social support systems, which affect depression symptoms among older Korean immigrants and non-Hispanic Whites in the United States.Method: Data for this study came from a panel survey of 223 older Korean American immigrants and 201 non-Hispanic White older adults 65 years of age and older living in Los Angeles. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test the proposed conceptual model designed to explain the direct and indirect relationships between social networks and social support on depression symptoms.Results: Empirical evidence from this study indicated different effect of one’s social networks and social support on depression by race/ethnicity.Discussion: The work discussed in this article pointed to the need to recognize the role of culture in assessing the relationships between social networks, social support, and health among older adults.

scholarly journals COVID-19 as a Stressor: Pandemic Expectations, Perceived Stress, and Negative Affect in Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda R Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Objectives The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic is appraised as a stressor influences perceived stress (PS) and psychological well-being during the event. Here, the association of older adults’ expectations concerning the pandemic’s duration and impact with PS and negative affect (NA) is investigated. Based on the stress and coping framework, PS is expected to mediate the association between COVID-19 expectations and NA. Methods Seven hundred fourteen residents of the United States and aged 60 and older completed an anonymous online survey in late March 2020 reporting PS, NA, and expectations regarding the pandemic. Results Regression analyses controlling for demographic factors revealed that more dire pandemic expectations significantly predicted PS and NA directly, and the effects on NA were significantly mediated by PS. Discussion Findings provide evidence that expectations about a pandemic influence the extent to which older adults experience stress and NA in the midst of a pandemic event. Implications for mental health are discussed.

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