JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Taiwan’s super-aged society status has created urgent demand for efficient strategies to promote healthy aging. The benefits of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on sleep and psychological health are evident, yet there remains a shortage of cultural adaptations for Taiwan’s older adults. Current courses mainly focus on teaching Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) while neglecting Mindfulness-based Elder Care (MBEC) and Mindful Sustainable Aging (MSA) principles. However, the abstract nature of some mindfulness concepts, combined with limited digital support and localized resources, makes it challenging for older adults to engage effectively. Additionally, the abstract nature of some mindfulness concepts, combined with limited digital learning support and localized resources, makes it challenging for older adults to engage effectively.

Objective:

This study developed an eight-week theory-based mindfulness curriculum that combined the MBSR, MBEC, and MSA frameworks with digital health support for enhancing healthy aging outcomes in older community-dwelling adults in Taiwan.

Methods:

This study employed a multiphase mixed-methods design to achieve its goals. We used the modified Delphi method in Phase 1 to agree on curriculum content and digital material selection. Ten older adults participated in the pilot study, which comprised Phase 2. We used quantitative measurements to assess mindfulness, sleep quality, cognition, heart rate variability (HRV), perceptions of aging, healthy aging perspectives, and physical activity and function at baseline, weeks 4 and 8, and 1-month follow-ups. Qualitative interviews were conducted to gather insights into participants’ experiences.

Results:

The participants achieved significant improvements in mindfulness, sleep quality, aging perceptions, health aging outlooks, and physical capabilities during the study (all P<.05). Cognition, HRV, and physical activity levels showed no significant changes throughout the study. The qualitative data supported these findings, as participants selected simple practices like mindful breathing, which they practiced daily to enhance their emotional well-being and social connections. Participants valued the digital learning materials for aiding their practice; however, some older adults with reading difficulties encountered challenges accessing the content.

Conclusions:

The Delphi method resulted in an acceptable and feasible theory-based digitally supported mindfulness program that improved several indicators of healthy aging in older adults in Taiwan. These findings require validation through longer trials to assess the cognitive and physiological effects. Furthermore, digital accessibility requires further development.