The Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Healthy Lifestyle Program for Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based healthy lifestyle program in improving diabetes-related outcomes among older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study recruited 82 older adults with type 2 diabetes from two hospitals in southern Taiwan. Participants chose either the intervention or control group. The experimental group underwent an 8-week mindfulness-based healthy lifestyle program that integrated diet/exercise board games (external wisdom) and mindfulness practices (internal wisdom). The control group received usual diabetes care. Outcome measures—symptom distress, emotional distress, interpersonal communication, self-management behavior, and HbA1C—were assessed at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 3 months later (T2).

Results

Generalized estimating equation analysis revealed that the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in interpersonal communication, self-management behaviors, and HbA1C from T0 to T1 and T0 to T2 compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The results support integrating mindfulness and gamified education into diabetes care for older adults.

Keywords

mindfulness lifestyle older adults board games diabetes

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