How can the older people become more aware of their physical sensations and emotions?
The project “Viattiva – Pathway for a healthy lifestyle towards active ageing” co-ordinated by the Istituto per Servizi di Ricovero e Assistenza agli Anziani in Treviso in Italy tried to answer this question.
How?
In 5 municipalities of the province of Treviso, 8 group meetings for older people over 65 were organised, involving more than 75 persons.
During this project, older people participated in 5 meetings with an age-adapted physical activity professional to learn how to practise physical activity in a more conscious way. Combined to this, 3 further meetings were organised with a psychologist on the topic of Mindfulness.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a method used in psychology to change habits; it focuses on awareness, cultivated by paying attention to every present moment, to be used in a non-judgmental, non-active manner and as openly as possible (Kabat-Zinn, 2015). Focusing attention on this way allows one to be more aware of one’s actions, preventing the mind from being driven on ‘autopilot’ while occupied by worries or other distractions.
Mindfulness is a very flexible practice that can be carried out in different contexts and be used by everyone, and for this reason it has become very popular. It helps to be in touch with emotions and physical sensations, which is less common in older people.
In the VIATTIVA project, this technique was used to help older people live more in the present moment, thus increasing their perceived well-being and encouraging them to engage in physical activity, which studies confirm is very important in preventing major chronic degenerative diseases.
The impact of the project was very positive: participants appreciated the opportunity to try out a new technique in a group, thus having the opportunity to compare their experiences and socialise. In fact, some groups spontaneously continued with conversational meetings even after the VIAttiva project was over.
‘[…] it was very formative[…] I strengthened the awareness that change is possible’.
‘I am satisfied, and I would like this activity to be made permanent. More meetings[…]’
‘[…] I gained very useful insights that I am trying to put into practice[…]’
‘Good to work in company […]’
In conclusion, the experience of this project tells how the Mindfulness technique can help older people make a difference in their lifestyle, making them more aware. And above all that, it shows how despite what one might think, one is never too old to learn new things.