HEALTHY LIVING Healthy Aging BY JUDY KOUTSKY M
aintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being becomes increasingly important
with age. Unique challenges — loss of loved
ones, declining physical health, and concerns about cognitive decline — can impact overall quality of life. Research shows that one of the
most powerful tools to support healthy aging may be mindfulness and meditation practices. New studies reveal that mindfulness meditation can be just as effective as antidepressants in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, offering a natural and sustainable path toward mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical health. A study by the National Institute
of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, found that practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a mindfulness practice, was as effective as the antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram) — a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. The study was published in JAMA
Network Open. “MBSR, which involves meditation
and mindful awareness, helps people observe their thoughts and emotions without immediate reaction,” says Harold Hong, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist and medical director at New Waters Recovery based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Without Medication New study finds meditation and mindfulness as effective as antidepressants in easing anxiety. ::
“For people who prefer non-drug
options, MBSR provides a powerful, natural tool for managing anxiety symptoms.” A follow-up to the study, also
reported in JAMA Network, “showed that 78% of those in the Lexapro group had adverse side effects versus just 15% in the mindfulness group,” says Jay Serle, Ph.D., clinical supervisor at The Ohana Addiction Treatment Center based in Kona, Hawaii. The side effects experienced by
the group taking Lexapro included insomnia, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Together, these studies
highlight mindfulness as a viable option for anxiety management. For aging adults, this is particularly significant. The side effects of antidepressants can be challenging for older individuals, who are often managing multiple medications. Mindfulness meditation offers
a safer alternative that supports mental well-being without the risk of drug interactions.
WHAT IS MBSR? “MBSR includes mindfulness practices
like body scans, meditation, and gentle movement, helping individuals develop awareness and reduce stress,” says Hong. “The tools learned through
MBSR can be integrated into daily life, making it a sustainable, long-term strategy for managing anxiety.” Hong
explains that there are a variety of techniques for
improving focus, reducing anxiety, and enhancing well-
76 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | FEBRUARY 2025
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