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Meditation, Mindfulness, Cognition, and Emotion: Implications for Community-Based Older Adult Programs

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Enhancing Cognitive Fitness in Adults

Abstract

Meditation practices have become increasingly popular in the United States among both older and younger adults. This chapter summarizes research on the emotional and cognitive benefits of meditation practices that have been derived from Buddhist tradition and from contemporary secular mindfulness meditation. The potential for meditation-based cognitive enhancement for older adults is discussed, and special attention is paid to studies of meditation to reduce stress and improve well-being among caregivers of persons with dementia. Program planners are encouraged to consider several factors, including training requirements and the need for program evaluation, when considering the use of meditation in community-based applications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, 1503 E. University, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA

    Alfred W. Kaszniak Ph.D.

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  1. Alfred W. Kaszniak Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Alfred W. Kaszniak Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Healthy Aging, W. Main St. 265, Kent, 44240-2403, Ohio, USA

    Paula E. Hartman-Stein

  2. School of Medicine & Public Health, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, University of Wisconsin, Big Sky Drive 7818, Madison, 53719, Wisconsin, USA

    Asenath LaRue

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Kaszniak, A.W. (2011). Meditation, Mindfulness, Cognition, and Emotion: Implications for Community-Based Older Adult Programs. In: Hartman-Stein, P., LaRue, A. (eds) Enhancing Cognitive Fitness in Adults. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0636-6_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0636-6_5

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