Connecting in place: older adults' experience of online mindfulness therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: the negative consequences of COVID-19 distancing measures on older adults' mental health and ability to access services have been well documented. Online cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness interventions for older adults, carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown that these interventions are feasible and have potential mental health benefits. However, little research has been carried out on older adults' experiences of engaging with online psychological therapy, and specifically mindfulness therapy. OBJECTIVES: to understand the experience of older adults engaging with online mindfulness therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: a qualitative analysis of four community-based focus groups. PARTICIPANTS: thirty-six community dwelling older adults aged between 65 and 85 years were recruited via older adult organisations, charities and the local press. Nineteen percent had long-term physical health conditions, 25% had severe and enduring mental health difficulties and 19% had mild to moderate mental health difficulties. RESULTS: there was a strong sense of group cohesion and community from the participants.Three main themes were identified reasons for applying, experience of the mindfulness therapy and connecting at home. CONCLUSIONS: the majority of participants were positive about attending a mindfulness group online. This extended to the perceived psychological and social benefits as well as practical considerations. While some participants noted technological hurdles at the beginning of the course, the findings challenge previous studies that suggest older adults are reluctant to engage in online psychological therapies and has important implications for the future provision of psychological therapies to this population.