WATCH THE NASCAR RACE ON SUNDAY – AND
CLICK HERE TO HELP END HUNGER IN AMERICA

Advertisement

Happiness
poll

most popular
articles

Viewed

Recommended

Commented

The Benefits of Meditation

New research shows that meditating can build brain function — no matter what your age

  • Text
  • Print
  • Comments
  • Recommend

The veteran meditators showed greater skill at choosing what to focus on among competing stimuli than either of the other groups, and were better able to filter distractions to remain focused.

These findings suggest that meditation may be useful in treating people with ADHD, and for improving cognition and other attention-based functions that slow as we age.

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin studied the brains of participants before and after they received eight weeks of MBSR training and compared them with those of a group of nonmeditators.

At the end of the training, the subjects received flu shots and their antibody activity was tested. The meditators show elevated activity in the area of the brain associated with lowered anxiety, a decrease in negative emotions, an increase in positive ones and their immune systems produced more antibodies in response to the vaccine.

In other words, there may be a strong link among meditation, positive emotions and a healthier immune system. The potential implications of these findings for our health, mood and behavior are great.

As Dr. Richard Davidson once said, "We now know that the brain is the one organ in our body built to change in response to experience and training. It's a learning machine."

Meditation, it seems, is a good way to keep that machine in motion.

Sharon Salzberg is cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts and the author of Real Happiness: The Power of Mediation.

  • Print
  • Bookmark

From The
Experts

5 Ways to Prove Your Worth

It's a tough market for 50-plus workers, but employers need people exactly like you. read

Chris Gardner

Tell Us WhatYou Think

Please leave your comment below.

You must be signed in to comment.

Sign In | Register

More comments »

Discounts & Benefits

Couple sitting on a couch viewing a screen on a laptop

Financial Guidance Services for members provided by Charles Schwab.

Life insurance: you are covered rain or shine

Members can convert their assets into guaranteed income for life with AARP Lifetime Income Program from New York Life.

Life insurance: you are covered rain or shine

Members in Puerto Rico, U.S.V.I. save via AARP® Property & Casualty Insurance from Real Legacy.

Member Benefits

Members receive exclusive member benefits & affect social change. Join Today

Being Social

Featured
Groups

5 Weeks to a New Life

How do you resolve differences in a relationship — without fighting? Share your tips in our online community and be eligible to win prizes. Discuss

The Reinvention Group

The Reinvention Group

Ask questions, find support and share information about changing gears in your 50+ years. Discuss

coffeeshop

The Coffee Shop

Kick back and enjoy lighthearted conversation among Online Community locals. Discuss