Mindfulness is one of the techniques that can bring the most benefits to the general population. However, in the case of older people, it specifically provides some benefits that are especially interesting. We want to talk to you about some of the benefits of this technique for the elderly.
What is mindfulness?
In general terms, we can consider mindfulness as a way or philosophy of life. It includes, along with certain lifestyle habits, some practices such as meditation. All of them are aimed at offering an adequate mental state to those who practice it. In a comprehensive way, it therefore seeks to offer a good mental state to those who practice it and combat their stress, promote their harmony and, in general, their state of mental health.
What are the benefits of mindfulness for the elderly?
Below we will talk about some of the specific benefits that mindfulness has for the elderly.
It is effective in combating dementia
First of all, we must say that mindfulness is very useful in keeping dementia at bay. It is a very positive way of keeping the mind active and thereby keeping certain faculties of our cognitive system active. In addition, it also helps to keep dementia away from this population by significantly reducing their stress.
It helps to combat chronic pain
Secondly, it must be said that mindfulness helps to combat chronic pain from some conditions. The reason why it does so is because it can help those who practice it to have more effective control over their nervous system and their sensations. With this, it is possible to better control and greatly mitigate the sensation of pain, discomfort or general malaise.
It combats insomnia
As can be deduced in light of the two previous benefits, another of the contributions that mindfulness gives to the elderly is to combat insomnia. In this way, those who practice it can enjoy a better state of relaxation. This allows them to rest better by reaching the evening in a general state of relaxation. This state of relaxation is also spread throughout the day, so the feeling of fatigue is relieved and the availability of energy is optimized during the day.
Lowers blood pressure
Mindfulness exercises lower blood pressure. This promotes a correct blood flow and thus prevents possible cardiovascular conditions. These conditions are one of the main causes of illness in older people and, in some unfortunate cases, of death. Therefore, it is essential to prevent them through a lifestyle that includes mindfulness.
Prevents aging
Another benefit that mindfulness can bring to older people is that it prevents their aging. The reason is precisely its influence on the body’s blood pressure. By relieving it and improving circulation, it improves the oxygenation of cells. In this way, the aging of the tissues of our body can be prevented. A benefit that will not only give a better appearance, but more generally will give a better state to face the years.
Fights depression
Along with conditions related to dementia and cardiovascular health, depression is another of the evils that especially affect the elderly population. Mindfulness can help fight it effectively.
Without going any further, by providing a general state of balance and well-being, it can make the person have more resources to face their own psychological state. At this point, it can help improve symptoms associated with depression arising from feelings of loneliness, apathy, etc.
Reduces anxiety
Finally, we must highlight one of the most important advantages of mindfulness. These are the effects it has against another of the most common conditions of older people: anxiety. It is another of the effects of the general state of relaxation that it offers us. Chronic anxiety is a feeling that can be constant in a person and that can actually increase over time. The specific exercises proposed by this meditation and relaxation technique help you to cope with and combat it.
We hope that these lines will help you find your own motivation to practice mindfulness.
