“Mindfulness” or Mindfulness meditation is a terrific practice for seniors. It’s good for everyone, but it is particularly good for seniors because it’s easy, both to learn and to practice. It doesn’t cost anything, and you can do it anywhere. Mindfulness has substantial benefits, both physical and mental, that are supported by peer-reviewed research.

What is mindfulness meditation?

Mindfulness or mindfulness meditation is a method of focusing on the here and now, blocking out distractions, and relaxing your mind and body. It has been shown through research to help seniors (and anyone in other age groups, too,) to relax, sleep better, lower anxiety, lower blood pressure, concentrate better, feel more grateful, reduce worry, reduce chronic pain, and just generally feel better.

No Cost

Learning how to do mindfulness meditation and practicing it is completely free. You can learn it through watching YouTube videos or reading articles or books about the topic. Mindfulness meditation is something that we each do alone, and it does not cost anything or require the purchase of any materials or gadgets.

Rapid Benefit

One of the reasons that we mention mindfulness meditation regularly is because those who practice it feel the benefits very quickly. Mindfulness is not something that you have to practice for years before reaping any benefit. Just practicing it for a few minutes per day can bring you benefit within days. It’s a life-altering practice that will help in ways you cannot even imagine.

We think all seniors should try mindfulness meditation. It’s easy, painless, and free, and it will make you feel better. If you try it, you will be convinced. There is no downside.

The Hamlets at Vernon is an assisted-living and long-term care community in Vernon, BC, Canada. Designed to take the worry out of senior retirement home living and following the tenets of Christianity, The Hamlets at Vernon offers compassionate care in a beautiful environment.