The four-dimensional model of mindful sustainable aging: a holistic alternative

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses a four-dimensional model of mindful sustainable aging (MSA) in the four biological, psychological, social, spiritual dimensions. The model is made up of eight components, activeness, bodily awareness, change processes, vigorousness, dynamism, mental alertness, social support and spiritual support. Modern western and traditional Buddhist notions of mindfulness/sati, and their utility in terms of improving the physical, mental and social lives of seniors, are explored, the uniqueness of MSA being in the provision of a construct that is more integrated, holistic, and multi-faceted than other current gerontological theories. This paper, by drawing attention to the four-dimensional MSA model, therefore attempts to demonstrate how mindfulness practices support these four dimensions (i.e., biological, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions).

KEYWORDS:

• Mindfulness
• aging
• psychosocial theories
• psychodynamic theories
• concept analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. The terms “old,” “old age,” “old person,” and “senior” are used in this paper to refer either to those that are 65 years and older or to the period of life that begins at age 65.

2. According to Levin et al. (2011), theoretical models derive from mid-range theories. A number of theoretical models have been identified in the religion and aging field; the distress-deterrent model, the prevention model, the moderator model, and the health effects model. The mid-range theory seeks to explain particular social, psychological, and behavioral phenomena. These are, unlike grand theories, “less-reaching” theories specific to particular fields or issues. Mid-range theories within sociology include relative deprivation, the self-fulfillment prophecy, cognitive dissonance, social mobility and the anomic antecedents of suicide. Mid-range theories also reference social gerontology and include disengagement theory, active theory and attachment theory.