Theme 2: satisfaction and perceived benefits of MBSR
MCI
SAID
Participants described their perceived benefits and satisfaction based on the following subthemes: i.) mental health benefits, ii.) social support iii.) personal insights on self-care, iv.) responding differently vs. reacting, v.) adoption of mindfulness practice to everyday activities, vi.) alternative to medication(s), and vii.) more than memory.Participants described their perceived value and satisfaction with the MBSR program by describing high satisfaction with mental health benefits, reporting “feeling more relaxed,” “emotionally better,” “peaceful,” “calm,” and “getting in touch with one’s emotions.” There was also the added benefit of social support, which decreased social isolation or loneliness, especially for those living with SCD or MCI. One participant noted the group “allowed us to connect (P#16, age 68)”, and another that, “it keeps me connected throughout the week (P#23, age 74)”. The MBSR group also provided personal insights into “self-care”. It was noted by OT#1 that, “for most people was this realization the need for self-kindness, self-care, self-compassion (OT#1)”. One participant realized that, with ageing and living with cognitive issues, “ … you have to take different ways … to take care of yourself now (P#16, age 68)”, and another participant stated that, “self-acceptance is self-care … and perhaps most of us have not really thought about it that way before (P#2, age 82).”A subtheme emerged was learning to have a different approach to stress by responding differently versus reacting. Most participants developed an increase in awareness and paying attention to stress reactivity which promotes recovery from stressful situations faster and with less rumination. As mentioned by a participant, “I’m not following my former habits. I’m sick of falling into that hole. Quicker recovery. Less ruminating”. (P#7, age 79).“ With mindfulness practice, there is a component of incorporating it into everyday activities noted by a participant who stated, “I find it easier to do [breathing] whenever I am waiting for someone or something (P#16, age 68)“ by using opportunities in the day to do a quick mindfulness practice. Another participant would make a grocery list, but forgets it at home and said, “I focus on what I’m writing … I don’t have the list with me, so it’s making me think more and be aware of myself, listening … and developing more strategies (P#13, age 68)“. Participants also spoke about how mindfulness can broadly support their health and as an alternative to medications. One participant mentioned that, “ … I’ve had issues with my back, and I was taking all these medications, and they were making me feel worse! (P#13, age 68)“ and another participant said similar sentiment by saying, “I think eventually this will make some of my other pills go away (P#27, age 60).”Lastly, participants stated that the program was more than memory as it gave them tools to approach life from a different perspective. As mentioned by a participant, “this class teaches you more than memory. This is kind of like a change … on how to live your life. And it came for me in (sic) a very opportune time (P#16, age 68)”. The program is about learning to pay attention, and one participant stated, “my listening skills are much better … [mindfulness practice] makes me focus … (P#13, age 68)” noticing an improvement in listening and focusing, which is a cognitive benefit. To summarize, an older participant expressed intense appreciation for the group and said, “ … I think we need more programs like this. (P#8, age 86)”.