Transcendental meditation, mindfulness, and longevity: an experimental study with the elderly.
Can direct change in state of consciousness through specific mental techniques extend human life and reverse age-related declines? To address this question, 73 residents of 8 homes for the elderly (mean age = 81 years) were randomly assigned among no treatment and 3 treatments highly similar in external structure and expectations: the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program, mindfulness training (MF) in active distinction making, or a relaxation (low mindfulness) program. A planned comparison indicated that the "restful alert" TM group improved most, followed by MF, in contrast to relaxation and no-treatment groups, on paired associate learning; 2 measures of cognitive flexibility; mental health; systolic blood pressure; and ratings of behavioral flexibility, aging, and treatment efficacy. The MF group improved most, followed by TM, on perceived control and word fluency. After 3 years, survival rate was 100% for TM and 87.5% for MF in contrast to lower rates for other groups.
Alexander
C N
CN
Department of Psychology, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa 52556.
Langer
E J
EJ
Newman
R I
RI
Chandler
H M
HM
Davies
J L
JL
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001143:Arousal; D003243:Consciousness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D010556:Personality Tests; D012064:Relaxation Therapy