The goal of this experimental study is to assess whether a mindfulness-based meditation intervention can reduce loneliness and improve psychophysical well-being in older adults (aged 65 and above). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the intervention reduce the perception of loneliness in older adults? (primary outcome) * Does it improve various aspects of psychological well-being, including social isolation, depression, life satisfaction, mindfulness, emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and sleep quality? (secondary outcomes) Researchers will compare the intervention group with a passive control group (waiting-list control) to determine whether the mindfulness-based intervention leads to significant improvements in the measured outcomes. Participants will: Complete baseline assessments, including neuropsychological tests and validated questionnaires, before the intervention. Undergo a 12-session mindfulness-based intervention over 6 weeks, consisting of guided breathing, focused attention, physical relaxation, and emotional awareness exercises. Complete post-intervention assessments to measure changes in their psychological and physiological well-being.
The aging of the population is now a global phenomenon, and according to the United Nations World Population Prospects 2024, it is estimated that the population over the age of 65 could reach \~24% by the end of this century. Italy ranks as the second country in the world with the highest proportion of elderly citizens. According to recent ISTAT data, individuals over 65 represent \~25% of the total population. This demographic imbalance, strongly skewed toward older age groups, reflects both a low birth rate and increased longevity. Unfortunately, at least nine million elderly individuals in Italy live alone or are at risk of social isolation. According to data from the "Passi d'Argento" surveillance system of the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), this phenomenon affects 1 in 7 people over 65. Social isolation significantly impacts healthy aging, compromising both physical and mental well-being. Social isolation consists of two components: an objective one and a subjective one, namely loneliness. These two dimensions do not always correlate and affect health through different pathways: the former is more closely linked to physical health, while the latter is primarily associated with mental health. Several risk factors contribute to this condition (e.g., educational level, environment in which a person was raised, comorbidities, income, etc.), also influencing coping mechanisms. Addressing this social and economic challenge requires timely and sustainable interventions. In this context, mindfulness represents a promising therapeutic and preventive tool. Mindfulness-based interventions are easily accessible, simple to implement, and have a low economic impact, while promoting both physical and mental health. They foster psychological well-being and personal growth, encouraging a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness can help older adults accept the changes and losses associated with aging, enhancing self-awareness and developing new coping strategies. Furthermore, mindfulness may serve as a tool to recognize and understand loneliness, potentially transforming it into an opportunity for personal growth. By promoting active listening, empathy, and self-esteem, mindfulness can also contribute to improving the quality of social relationships. However, studies exploring the effects of mindfulness on loneliness-particularly in older adults-are still limited and often involve small sample sizes and lack comprehensive sociodemographic data. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a mindfulness-based meditation intervention on the sense of loneliness (primary outcome) as well as on various domains of psychophysical well-being in older adults. Specifically, the following hypotheses will be tested: i) The intervention reduces the sense of loneliness (primary outcome); ii) It decreases objective social isolation; iii) It lowers depression levels, contributing to an overall improvement in psychological well-being; iv) It enhances mental well-being and life satisfaction; v) It improves mindfulness and promotes emotional regulation; vi) It fosters greater self-acceptance in terms of body appreciation and enhances self-esteem; vii) It improves sleep quality. The target population will consist of older adults aged 65 and above, recruited on a voluntary basis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
The intervention consists of 12 in-person mindfulness-based meditation sessions over a period of six weeks, with each session lasting one hour, twice per week. The practice, called Integral Meditation (IM), includes focused breathing, body relaxation, emotional awareness, and acceptance exercises.
University of Pavia
Pavia, Italy
RECRUITINGReduction in Perceived Loneliness
The primary outcome is the change in perceived loneliness as measured by the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3). Scores range from 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater loneliness. A significant reduction in scores post-intervention would suggest an improvement in loneliness perception.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), post-intervention (6 weeks, T1)
Reduction in Objective Social Isolation Reduction in Objective Social Isolation Reduction in Objective Social Isolation Reduction in Objective Social Isolation Reduction in Objective Social Isolation
we will evaluated changes in social isolation assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6), which evaluates the size and frequency of participants' social networks. Higher scores indicate greater social connectivity.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), post-intervention (6 weeks, T1)
Reduction in Depressive Symptoms
we will evaluate changes in depression levels assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Higher scores indicate greater depressive symptoms, while a reduction in scores suggests improved mental well-being.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), post-intervention (6 weeks, T1)
Improvement in Well-being and Life Satisfaction
We will evaluate subjective well-being and life satisfaction using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) questionnaire and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale(WEWBS). Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction with life.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), post-intervention (6 weeks, T1)
Increase in Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
We will evaluate mindfulness levels using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and emotional regulation using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Higher scores indicate improved mindfulness and emotion regulation
Time frame: Baseline (T0), post-intervention (6 weeks, T1)
Improvement in Self-Esteem and body appreciation
We will evaluate Self-esteem via the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and via the Body Appreciation Scale we will assess the level of appreciation towards one's own body. Higher scores indicate greater self-esteem and body appreciation.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), post-intervention (6 weeks, T1)
Improvement in Sleep Quality
Using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), we will evaluate subjective sleep quality. Higher scores indicate worse sleep quality, while a reduction in scores suggests improved sleep.
Time frame: Baseline (T0), post-intervention (6 weeks, T1)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.