Meditation is an age-old practice that has been used to quiet the mind and attain a higher spiritual experience. In the recent past, new findings show that meditation is beneficial to the elderly in a number of great ways. More and more doctors now believe that meditation is one of the best tools for mental, emotional and physical health of the elderly. Here, we look at the top five Benefits of Meditation for the Elderly:
Meditation activates the hippocampus and the frontal lobe areas of the brain, which serve the role of maintaining both long term and short term memory. Continuous meditative exercise means a better long and short term memory recall that includes retrieving long lost memories. Meditation also affords the elderly a renewed ability to store new memories well through their advancing years.
Focuses the Mind
Meditation has been known to increase IQ, relieve stress and promote higher level of brain functioning. Of the many Benefits of Meditation for the Elderly the most remarkable and functional one is brain function improvement– better focus in their daily tasks, increased creativity, quicker wit and a more energized mind is reached. Meditation can make the one’s sunset years be just as rewarding as the earlier phases of life.
Reduces Stress
Meditation is really effective in instilling inner calm and peace, thereby insulating the body against the degrading effects of anxiety and stress. Simple meditation exercise can produce “feel-good” chemicals from the brain, which is effective in battling any form of depression or mood disorders. With increased feeling of happiness in the mind, the elderly can feel a renewed and re-energized zest for life.
Mindful meditation and deep breathing exercises improve the circulation of blood around the body and boost oxygen enrichment of the blood. Improved circulation rejuvenates the body organs such as the lungs, stomach, intestines and the brain. After incorporating meditation into their lifestyles, the elderly with digestive problems are likely to see immediate relief. Also the extra oxygen boost in the blood helps the immune system, heals the lungs and re-energizes the body.
Reduces Loneliness
Mindfulness and meditation have also been found to decrease loneliness, a crucial problem among the elderly. Meditating just half an hour a day can help promote “connectedness” and stop any unwarranted feelings of loneliness or feeling unloved. A study published suggests that there is evidence that in a group of the elderly who engaged in a simple eight-week meditation program significantly decreased rates of self-reported loneliness.
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and its history and development throughout the ages has proven that this practice of the mind and body can help a person in a multitude of ways. Meditation is a simple exercise which can be practiced at the comfort of one’s own home or one can become involved in a local meditation group. For the elderly, meditation is an indispensable part of their lifestyle and however you choose to incorporate meditation into your lifestyle you will be sure to discover a fountain of benefits.
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