Here’s Why Seniors Need Meditation More Than Medicine

Meditation has been used since ancient times to promote peace and tranquility in humans. Meditation has gained popularity because of its scientifically proven benefits.

Meditation is a process that involves training the mind to focus, relax and redirect your thoughts.

Promotes Sleep

Mantra meditation, or a practice that uses repetitive sounds, can be used as a relaxation technique to promote healthier sleeping habits.

JAMA Internal Medicine published scientific research that included 49 older adults and middle-aged people who struggled to sleep. Half the participants received meditation training for six weeks, and the other half attended sleep hygiene, education classes. The meditation group reported fewer symptoms of depression, fatigue, and insomnia at the end.

Poor diet, stress, and other chronic diseases can all contribute to sleep problems. Meditation before bed can help release tension and create a calm state of mind.

Might Decrease Memory Loss Chances

As surprising as it may sound, meditation can reduce memory loss symptoms. Meditation can actually increase telomerase, an enzyme needed to lower the risk of developing progressive diseases such as Alzheimer’s by 43%. 

Researchers also found that meditation can increase the power of the subconscious mind. This gives your brain the ability to retain more information.

Decreases Anxiety and Stress

Meditation practice has two main benefits: anxiety and stress reduction. A 2016 study found that 21.6% of people meditate for stress relief, while 29.2% do so for anxiety.

Meditation can help you to focus your attention on removing inner thoughts that cause stress and anxiety. Moreover, a good sense of self-awareness and tranquility can help you manage stress symptoms throughout the day.

Helps to Improve Attention

Meditation can be a powerful tool to increase your focus and endurance.

A study in 2017 by the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement required participants to complete a series of meditation training tests that included maintaining focus on objects, mindful breathing techniques, and creating positive emotions for themselves and others.

The outcomes from the study showed that the training enhanced the participants’ emotional well-being and led them to perform better on tasks related to focus and maintaining attention.

Inhibits Pain

According to research, 11% of Americans suffer from chronic pain each year. Because your perceptions of pain are directly related to your thoughts, they can become more severe when you’re under too much stress.

Mindfulness meditation can be a powerful way to manage pain. It allows you to concentrate on your breathing and the sensations of the body at the moment. Your body will align with rhythms in your nervous system when you take six deep breaths per minute.

You can also consider botox Spokane if you think meditation cannot help with your pain issues.

How to Motivate the Elderly to Meditate

By now, you know the benefits of mediation for seniors. Now it’s time to find ways to incorporate meditation into your seniors’ daily lives. Here is how you can do that:

Select a Suitable Place

Find a place in your home that you can use for meditation and relaxation. This is a place you can use to relax, meditate, or calm down your & the elderly’s nerves. You can find a comfortable chair in a corner or a quiet room that isn’t disturbed.

Have a Straightforward Approach

Meditation doesn’t have to be difficult or take too much time. You can focus on the sensations of breathing you feel every day and teach the same to your seniors. 

Take time to notice the sensations you feel every day, such as the warmth of the water on your skin, the sun streaming through your kitchen window, or the wind blowing across your face while you walk. Discuss the same with your elder parents so that they can make the best of their meditation sessions.

Final Word

Meditation is highly beneficial for people of all ages. Make sure you do it with your seniors daily. Apart from a fit lifestyle, this will also boost your communication and strengthen the bond.