Wisdom Mind is an empirically-supported mindfulness intervention program for older adults - those who are cognitively healthy, as well as those who may be experiencing subjective cognitive decline. While mindfulness is already known to benefit a wide variety of individuals, the unique strengths of this program are the ways in which it is tailored specifically to older adults. Session content is contextualized within the developmental concerns of older adults (such as cognitive slip-ups, loss, and grief). Content is further informed by a clinical-neuropsychological perspective, which incorporates both restitution (scaffolding mindfulness practices in a sequence of increasing difficulty) as well as compensation (strategies to promote learning and integration). Designed to be used alongside the companion Participant Workbook, this session-by-session Facilitator Guide provides detailed information on how to deliver the program, as well as the reasoning behind why certain practices and strategies are provided at different times and in different ways. As such, it will be of interest to seasoned mindfulness instructors and those new to the practice, as well as to a range of mental health and healthcare professionals. A companion website provides downloadable meditation audio recordings that facilitators and participants can access throughout the program; scripts are also provided for those facilitators who wish to create their own recordings.

Colette M. Smart's profile page

Colette M. Smart, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Psychology and a member of the Graduate Faculty in the CPA-Approved Doctoral Training Program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. She has also been a core member of the Subjective Cognitive Decline Initiative, an international working group of clinician-researchers focused on subjective cognitive decline. Dr. Smart has also been practicing and teaching various forms of mindfulness for well over twenty years, and is particularly interested in tailoring mindfulness to individuals with various forms of cognitive impairment.

"Many of us experience subtle decline in cognitive functioning in the second half of life. While in most this is a sign of normal aging, in some it may progress onward to dementia. However, we know today that we actively support our brain health by mindfulness training. Dr. Smart's manual is an excellent example of how this knowledge from science can serve individual people in maintaining brain function and improving quality of life."

--Frank Jessen, MD, University of Cologne

"Wisdom Mind is a wonderful tool for clinicians and patients alike! It is based in evidence and specifically designed to support those facing or fearful of cognitive decline. The step-by-step suggestions and practices in the program offer ways to support cognitive wellness as well as cultivate the attitudes of mindfulness that can help all of us face ageing. Thank you Dr. Smart for providing us with a wonderful resource which serves both as intervention and prevention!"

--Fraser Black, MD, CCFP(PC), FCFP, Physician/Clinical Professor/Assistant Dean - UBC Faculty of Medicine, Art of Living Mindfully (BCALM) Mindfulness Facilitator

"A warmhearted and accessible resource for skillfully meeting the cognitive changes associated with aging. With the practice of mindfulness at its core, Wisdom Mind reminds us that along with whatever contractions in mental abilities we may notice, there is also scope for expansion and vibrant cognitive engagement. This book is the perfect guide for learning how to balance the two."

--Zindel Segal, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology in Mood Disorders, University of Toronto Scarborough, co-author The Mindful Way Through Depression