Feasibility of a Telephone-Delivered Group Meditation Intervention for Chronically Ill Socially Isolated Older Adults.

A pilot program tested whether a meditation intervention delivered by telephone could reduce social isolation in older adults. Fourteen of sixteen enrolled participants (87.5% retention) completed six weeks of weekly group loving-kindness meditation training and daily practice via telephone conference, followed by six weeks of extended group practice. Participants were community-living adults aged 60 and older with multiple chronic conditions who reported feeling socially isolated. Completers showed high attendance (95%) and acceptability, and a statistically significant increase in social interaction at follow-up. Qualitative responses indicated changes in emotion regulation, motivation, confidence, and sense of belonging. The intervention appears feasible, acceptable, and potentially beneficial for this population.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This pilot study assessed the feasibility of a group-based telephone-delivered meditation intervention to reduce social isolation in older adults. It included weekly training sessions and daily practices of loving-kindness meditation in small groups via telephone conferences for six weeks and an extended group meditation practice for another six weeks. Community-living older adults (age 60+) with multiple chronic conditions and experiencing social isolation were recruited. Each participant was assessed at the pretest, posttest, and follow-up (6 and 12 weeks after pretest). Outcome measures included social interaction, loneliness, and depressive symptoms. Open-ended questions were asked in the posttest and follow-up. Sixteen individuals enrolled, and fourteen completed the program (87.5% retention). Completers showed high levels of adherence (95% attendance to training) and acceptability and a statistically significant increase in social interaction at follow-up. Qualitative data suggest that participants experienced changes in emotion regulation, motivation and confidence, and sense of belonging. A group-based telephone-delivered meditation intervention targeting chronically ill older adults who experience social isolation is technically feasible, very acceptable, and potentially beneficial to them. Older adults enjoy learning meditation. Telephone conferencing is a low-cost tool for engaging socially isolated older adults in social interactions and group meditation.