The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Couples in Later Life. A Mixed Methods Systematic Review

Abstract

Objectives: To review current quantitative and qualitative evidence on the physical and mental health outcomes and participant experiences following mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for couples over the age of 65.

Methods: The search strategy used PubMed; Web of Science; PsycInfo; The Dementia Evidence Toolkit; NIH RePORTER; NIH Clinical Trials.gov and Scopus databases and followed the JBI framework.

Results: Four studies were included, of these, three were described as patient-carer dyads. Overall, the studies suggested that standardized, eight-week mindfulness interventions may be feasible for older adult independent couples and caregiving dyads, including people with cognitive decline, but the available evidence should be considered with caution.

Conclusions: Further high-quality studies investigating specific older adult dyads with sensitive and appropriate outcome measures are needed.

Clinical implications: Whilst older adult mindfulness groups delivered to couples are feasible, conclusions about the effects of mindfulness on older adult caregiving and/or romantic couples are impossible to establish.

Keywords: Mindfulness; couples; later life; older adults.