Session 1: Introduction to the Program

Abstract

This first session covers the introduction to the program. It establishes the group context and orients participants to what to expect for the remainder of the program. Participants may have had varying levels of exposure to mindfulness, so time is taken to talk about what mindfulness is in the context of this program, and specifically how it is relevant to older adults and late-life cognitive decline. The raisin exercise is used as an in-class example of mindfulness. Information is given on the “attitudes of mindfulness,” aspirational principles that people can bring to their experiences in the program. Participants are introduced to the first homework exercises, and time is taken to troubleshoot when participants will practice and how they will remember to engage in daily practice.