This review arose from AAG’s work plan for the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, with the topic identified during AAG member ‘hot topic’ and ‘buzz session’ engagement activities that took place in 2023 and 2024.
Introduction
The concept of mindfulness relates to the deliberate, moment-by-moment non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. A significant body of contemporary work supports the beneficial effects of mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions in different domains of life, particularly in the management of mental health conditions. There is also growing evidence in favour of mindfulness as an enabler for the development and implementation of proactive behavioural adaptations and effective coping strategies to address age-related changes that may impact subjective wellbeing.
In this review, we provide context for a timely discussion on mindfulness.
Specifically:
- A summary of the key principles of mindfulness.
- A rapid evidence review of peer-reviewed and grey literature from 2020 onwards.
- A review of the European Union funded Mindful Ageing project and Policy Framework Report.
- An environmental scan of Australian mindfulness resources.
- A list of barriers and enablers to the utilisation and effectiveness of mindfulness practice in older adults; and
- Relevant implications and recommendations.
Visit here to download the rapid evidence review report