Online Mindful Movement Approach for Older Adults: Two Case Studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact, especially on many older individuals. Outbreaks significantly affected accessibility and community engagement, making it challenging to maintain social connections with family, friends, and society. Social distancing measures and lockdown restrictions have been linked to challenges in physical and mental health, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that can alleviate the pandemic’s impact and foster meaningful social connections, particularly for older adults experiencing age-related cognitive changes (ACC). In response, an online mindful movement approach (MMA) targeting loneliness and psychological wellbeing in older adults experiencing ACC (n = 16) was implemented. This paper presents a comparative analysis highlighting two case studies derived from the parent study, examining the impact of the online MMA for older adults experiencing ACC. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the two cases. The participants reported a decrease in loneliness along with notable improvements in self-awareness, mood, and social connectedness. Additionally, they experienced an enhancement in their mindfulness practice and discovered new ways to use movement to enhance their well-being. The findings suggested that online MMA offered an alternative platform that can provide physical and psychosocial health benefits to older adults experiencing ACC during the COVID-19 pandemic.