Latest News
Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation for Seniors in Current Pandemic Situation
Mindfulness is one of the popular words that we hear in the current environment, especially in the current pandemic. Our “busy” life has been disrupted by this pandemic and we are so caught up with nuances in this “new normal” life. Social distancing and staying at home most of the time resulted in people having anxiety and feeling isolated. This is especially so for seniors who are staying alone when house visiting is currently barred in most countries for safety issues, as seniors are the most susceptible group to the Covid-19 virus. Though technology enables connection between family and friends with the seniors, losing the physical touch do invariably affect them.
Mindfulness meditation is one great practice that the seniors should take up in order for the seniors to better manage the current situation and stay positive. The main objective of mindfulness meditation is to be aware and be present, mind and body aligned. One is to stay focused on one’s thoughts and feelings and not let them wander off.
Besides helping the seniors better manage the current pandemic situation and to ease off anxiety and feel less isolated, there are several benefits of mindfulness meditation. Firstly, the senior’s well being is enhanced. Being in the present moment, focusing on the here and now helps them worry less about the future and live with less regrets about the past. Being fully present helps them to enjoy their activities that they are doing. Their relationships with others will improve as well due to this enhanced awareness. For those elderly who lives alone, they feel more comfortable living in solitude and do not feel much alone.
Secondly, mindfulness improves the seniors’ physical health. This is because mindfulness promotes relaxation and calmness, which in turn reduce anxiety. This results in the seniors having better digestive problems, less risk of getting diseases such as heart problems and less probability of sleep problems, which are factors that improve the overall physical health.
Thirdly, mindfulness boosts the seniors’ mental health. This is because with mindfulness in play, they are able to concentrate better and become more attentive. The seniors will also slow down and reduce the probability of getting mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Lastly, mindfulness improves the seniors’ emotional being. The seniors can gain more insight of their own emotions and are able to better manage their moods and emotions. A better emotional well-being promotes better relationships and make them a happier person.
There are a few ways to practice mindfulness meditation and there are courses available online to guide seniors how to practice mindfulness. With guided practice, seniors will be able to embark on their mindfulness journey in the right track and enjoy the benefits of mindfulness meditation.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
