Meditation from the perspective of gerontology

In terms of the body meditation teaches you to deal with pain in a non-rejecting way. Some methods can change the subjective evaluation of sensory experiences and lead to improved pain management. Meditation reduces blood pressure and strengthens the immune system. Not only in old age but in every phase of life meditation is a tool against burnout depression (including relapses) anxiety and sleep disorders etc. In terms of social skills meditation has been shown to promote openness in relationships as it makes people more balanced which in turn increases tolerance towards oneself and others. Empirical findings show an increase in grey matter density and greater activation in brain regions associated with empathy compassion belonging emotion regulation self-development and love. Experts advise against starting a meditation practice in cases of severe depression and borderline psychiatric cases as this is not helpful without the supervision of a psychiatrist experienced in meditation and may even exacerbate psychotic symptoms. An evaluated meditation exercise is presented.