Transcendental Meditation Linked to Healthy Aging

Quick Smiles:

• Transcendental meditation reduces stress-related gene activity
• Evidence suggests it may slow signs of aging
• Improved cognitive abilities observed among older practitioners

A recent study has revealed that transcendental meditation can suppress the activation of genes involved in stress responses, possibly providing calming effects as well as new hope for slowing aging.

The same genes associated with stress were also found to be linked to hallmarks of accelerated aging, indicating that meditation could offer benefits beyond relaxation.

Meditation, practiced for thousands of years in numerous cultures, is now embraced by a wide range of individuals for both health and spiritual benefits.

Researchers at Maharishi International University observed that long-term meditation practitioners, both young and old, showed significant downregulation of genes related to stress and aging compared to non-meditators.

The study included four groups, with higher mental processing speed and better cognitive function noted among older meditators.

Resistance to cognitive decline emerged as another uplifting outcome of sustained meditation habits.

“To summarize the data on reduced gene expression in the [meditation] group, the association of these genes with healthy aging through their roles in controlling inflammation, energy metabolism and mitochondrial function, stability of nuclear DNA, and other key cell functions is clear,” the authors wrote. “Increased expression of these genes is connected with a number of age-related diseases.”

Transcendental meditation involves the silent repetition of a mantra for about 15–20 minutes twice daily, and while it has been a scientific standard for studying meditation’s benefits, other types may offer similar positive effects.

Embrace a little mindfulness today—you might just boost both your peace of mind and your well-being!

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