Mindfulness stress-buffering model of health: implications for successful aging

Abstract

Objectives

Age-related variations in emotional, physical, and cognitive health are poorly understood. This multimethod study extends previous work by investigating mechanistic models by which trait mindfulness, perceived stress, and negative affect (NA) influence health outcomes in adults aged 57–87 years old.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, 119 adults completed clinical interviews, cognitive and gait assessments, the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Perceived Stress Scale. Gait velocity and executive function (Flanker test of inhibitory control), which are important predictors of global health and functioning in older adults, served as objective health outcome measures.

Results

Correlational analyses found that trait mindfulness is positively associated with age, gait velocity, and inhibitory control and negatively associated with NA and perceived stress. NA but not perceived stress was associated with slower gait velocity. PROCESS mediation analyses suggested that those higher in trait mindfulness showed lower NA as a result of less perceived stress, while moderation analyses indicated the relationship between gait velocity and age varied by levels of trait mindfulness.

Conclusion

Our findings are consistent with a mindfulness stress-buffering model of health. It is plausible that trait mindfulness, which has both mediating and moderating effects on health, might help to promote more successful aging and provide resilience to age-related declines in physical health.

Keywords:

• Successful aging
• executive function
• negative affect
• cognitive decline
• gait velocity

Acknowledgments

This manuscript was not preregistered.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by startup funds from the University of Maine and a National Academy of Neuropsychology Clinical Trial grant provided to the PI (R. K. MacAulay). The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.