OLDER Queenslanders are turning to mindfulness and guided meditation in a bid to tackle a range of health issues - from pain management to memory loss.
Brisbane care provider Mater at Home is running mindfulness workshops in the community specifically for older people.
Mindfulness is a meditation practice which may believe can help reduce physical and psychological symptoms of pain while promoting positive changes in health, attitudes and behaviours.
Participant Sheila Gillybran, 93, said she enjoys coming to the sessions and found she was seeing an improvement in her day-to-day life.
"I personally love it; I have been doing the exercises at home and find it very relaxing. I make sure I do my breathing exercises when I wake up in the morning," Sheila said.
"This is something I have never done before nor never thought to do but I am glad I have had the opportunity."
Mater at Home clinical lead social worker Valami Qoro said the program is evidence-based and undertaken with the support of social workers to deliver a friendly and relaxing space for participants to explore the benefits of mindfulness.
"We have run this program in the past and achieved great results and we're delighted to be able to offer this to the community again," Valami said.
"We have also seen benefits with improved physical and mental health, relieving stress, lowering blood pressure, reducing chronic pain, improving sleep, anxiety, memory loss and early symptoms of dementia.
"The sessions are grounded in current neuropsychology research, and have an immediate and practical focus. The additional advantage, especially for older Australian's, is that coming to sessions facilitates friendships, combats loneliness and social isolation."
The weekly sessions involve practical tools to implement in daily practice, including guided meditation and other mindfulness exercises. Sessions are themed each week, covering a wide variety of topics including:
- Be good to yourself
- Self-compassion
- Enjoying life
- Building strength
- Engaging in the world
- Being at peace
"Mater at Home's mindfulness group therapy program involves six, hour long sessions per theme, as learning to better manage your emotions and stress levels takes practice," Valami said.
Participants are encouraged to commit to attending sessions and a regular practice of mindfulness at home.
The free workshops are being offered to residential aged care facilities, retirement villages, community centres or home care groups to offer to residents and clients.
To find out more email materathome@mater.org.au
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