The prospective association between mindfulness and flourishing in mid-to-late life
Ying Chen1,2, Eric S Kim3, Julia S Nakamura3
1Human Flourishing Program, Harvard Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Aging & Mental Health
|May 3, 2026
Summary
Cultivating mindfulness is linked to greater holistic well-being in mid-to-late life. Higher mindfulness levels predict increased emotional, psychological, and social flourishing over a decade.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Holistic well-being is a key policy focus.
- Mindfulness is recognized as a positive psychological factor.
- Understanding factors promoting flourishing in aging populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prospective association between mindfulness and flourishing.
- To investigate this relationship in mid-to-late life adults.
- To identify specific domains of well-being influenced by mindfulness.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three waves of data from the Midlife in the United States Study (1995-2014).
- Employed generalized estimating equation models for longitudinal analysis.
- Adjusted for confounders and prior flourishing levels.
Main Results:
- Higher mindfulness was positively associated with composite flourishing (ß=0.26).
- Mindfulness positively impacted emotional, psychological, and social well-being domains.
- Strongest associations were with personal growth and social contribution.
Conclusions:
- Cultivating mindfulness may promote overall flourishing in middle-aged and older adults.
- Mindfulness interventions could be a strategy for enhancing well-being in later life.
- Specific aspects of well-being, like personal growth, are particularly responsive to mindfulness.
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