The Benefits of Meditation for Adults Ages 50-Plus: A Study by AARP

The latest research from AARP has revealed some interesting insights into the practice of meditation among adults ages 50 and over. While a majority of adults in this age group are familiar with meditation, less than half actually engage in the practice. Only one in five adults say they meditate weekly or more often, and surprisingly, seven in 10 of those who do meditate never use a meditation app.

The survey also found that the most common reasons adults ages 50-plus meditate are to relax, cope with stress, and create a sense of calm. Two-thirds of adults in this age group believe that meditation reduces stress to some extent, and nearly nine in 10 adults who meditate say it helps reduce stress. Even among those who do not meditate, half still feel that meditation can reduce stress.

However, there are some barriers to meditation reported by adults ages 50 and over. One-third of respondents said they prefer other methods to reduce stress, while one-quarter cited impatience or not being the “type” of person who meditates as reasons for not engaging in the practice.

Interestingly, the survey also found that a doctor’s recommendation or more information about the health benefits of meditation could encourage more adults to start or increase their meditation practice. Additionally, adults ages 50 to 64 were more likely to say they would meditate if they had more time compared to those 65 and older.

The research was based on a survey of 1,128 people ages 50-plus conducted in July 2023. For more information, contact Laura Mehegan at lmehegan@aarp.org.