Journal of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics (Jan 2017)
Preksha Meditation and Mental Health in Elderly
Abstract
Background: Ageing, though a graceful period, is associated with problems related physical and mental health, social isolation and financial crunch. Aims: Present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Preksha Meditation (PM) in promoting mental health in elderly population. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, case control study on 58 subjects (37 males and 21 females) who were administered a PM training module for 4 months. Individual measurements were carried out at the baseline and after 4 months of practice in almost similar conditions. Two standard psychological evaluation tools were used i.e. WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS). Results: Following 4 months practice of PM there was an improvement in all domains of WHOQOL-BREF ranging from 3 point to 5.7 i.e. psychological health (29.3%), physical health (24.1%), social health (12.1%) and environmental health (29.3%) and in stress level (17.2%). There was improvement in depression in 7 of 12 subjects and in anxiety in 6 of 8 subjects. Conclusions: Preksha Meditation is a cost-effective, non-invasive intervention with minimal risk of adverse effects and can be safely recommended for promotion of mental health in elderly.
