The Effect of Loving-Kindness Meditation on Executive Functions and Psychological Well-being in Elderlies

The increase in the population of elders has socio-economic consequences for Iran. One of the problems faced by the elderly is the decreased cognitive abilities that, in turn, can cause many problems in their daily life. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of loving-kindness meditation intervention on the executive functioning and psychological well-being of the elderly.

In an experimental pre-test/post-test control group design performed in Tehran, 50 elderlies aged 65-74 years were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups to all whom Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination test, executive functions test, and Reef Psychological Well-Being Inventory were administered. Then, an eight-week loving-kindness meditation intervention was performed. Besides, the tests for post-testing were re-administered. The collected data were analyzed by covariance analysis using SPSS software.

Results showed that the experimental group had significant improvements in attention (F=58/340، p<0/001، η2=0/632), working memory (F=11/959، p<0/001، η2=0/260), cognitive flexibility (F=15/823، p<0/001، η2=0/318), and psychological well-being (F=18/846، p<0/001، η2=0/357). There was no significant difference between variables of processing speed and problem solving after the intervention between two groups.

It can be concluded that teaching loving-kindness meditation to the elderly can affect the psychological well-being and executive functions (attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility); thus, it is expected to have a positive effect on their life quality. Accordingly, the relevant institutions and specialists are recommended to offer meditation training to the elderly.