The four-dimensional model of mindful sustainable aging: a holistic alternative

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper discusses a four-dimensional model of mindful sustainable aging (MSA) in the four biological, psychological, social, spiritual dimensions. The model is made up of eight components, activeness, bodily awareness, change processes, vigorousness, dynamism, mental alertness, social support and spiritual support. Modern western and traditional Buddhist notions of mindfulness/sati, and their utility in terms of improving the physical, mental and social lives of seniors, are explored, the uniqueness of MSA being in the provision of a construct that is more integrated, holistic, and multi-faceted than other current gerontological theories. This paper, by drawing attention to the four-dimensional MSA model, therefore attempts to demonstrate how mindfulness practices support these four dimensions (i.e., biological, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions).