Older people's experiences of participation in mindfulness-based intervention programmes: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to synthesise the qualitative evidence of mindfulness-based interventions and focused on the perceptions and experience of older people. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases including CINAHL, EMBASE, EMCare, and MEDLINE. The inclusion criteria for the review were an original study that includes qualitative data on experience and perceptions of mindfulness interventions, a study population involving older people aged 60 years and above, and articles published in English. Eleven articles are included in this review. Four major descriptive themes were generated from the data synthesis: benefits on physical health, improved psychosocial well-being, development of new perspectives, and motivators and challenges of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness practice provided health benefits for pain management, promoting sleep quality, psychosocial well-being, and development of positive strategies such as a new way of coping in negative situations, acceptance, and a sense of freedom. Health benefits and positive reinforcement were reported as motivators, whereas time commitment and an easily distracted mind were barriers to continued mindfulness practice. In addition to the descriptive themes, two analytical themes were derived: inner peace and well-being through mindfulness and development of acceptance-based coping. The positive outcomes indicated in this review suggest that mindfulness-based interventions could be an effective therapeutic tool for the well-being of older people.