Dynamic Neural Systems Underlying Social-emotional Functions in Older Adults

Dynamic Neural Systems Underlying Social-emotional Functions in Older Adults

Assess the impact of a remote, app-delivered digital meditation intervention on emotional well-being of lonely older adults. Neuroimaging, electrophysiological (EEG), and autonomic physiology will be used to assess the neural correlates of the intervention. EEG and autonomic physiology will be collected while participants watch 30 min of an awe-inspiring movie. fMRI and autonomic physiology will be collected in the context of a social exploration/exploitation task.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 60 years of age or older
• English language fluency
• Naive to meditation practices (not actively meditating more than one hour per month and/or meditation practice for less than a year in their entire life-time)
• No MRI contra-indications
• Cognitively healthy (no diagnosis of dementia, stroke, developmental disorders, or major systemic diseases that may impact cognitive function)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Below 60 years of age
• Not fluent in English
• Active meditator (meditating more than one hour per month and/or meditation practice for more than a year in their entire life-time).
• Presence of a severe psychiatric (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD), neurological (epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, dementia, multiple sclerosis), or developmental disorder (e.g. autism)
• Systemic disease (e.g. major recent surgeries, cancer)
• Claustrophobia
• Contraindications for MR safety (e.g. metal in body, cochlea implants)