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

Pacini, Adele; Vseteckova, Jitka and Haider, Sharif (2023). The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Couples in Later Life. A Mixed Methods Systematic Review. Clinical Gerontologist, 46(3) pp. 315–329.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2022.2093687

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.