J Pers Soc Psychol. 1989 Dec;57(6):950-64.

Transcendental meditation, mindfulness, and longevity: an experimental study with the elderly.

Alexander CN, Langer EJ, Newman RI, Chandler HM, Davies JL.

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Department of Psychology, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Abstract

Can direct change in state of consciousness through specific mental techniques extend human life and reverse age-related declines? To address this question, 73 residents of 8 homes for the elderly (mean age = 81 years) were randomly assigned among no treatment and 3 treatments highly similar in external structure and expectations: the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program, mindfulness training (MF) in active distinction making, or a relaxation (low mindfulness) program. A planned comparison indicated that the "restful alert" TM group improved most, followed by MF, in contrast to relaxation and no-treatment groups, on paired associate learning; 2 measures of cognitive flexibility; mental health; systolic blood pressure; and ratings of behavioral flexibility, aging, and treatment efficacy. The MF group improved most, followed by TM, on perceived control and word fluency. After 3 years, survival rate was 100% for TM and 87.5% for MF in contrast to lower rates for other groups.

PMID:: 2693686; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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