Dynamic Neural Systems Underlying Social-emotional Functions in Older Adults

Assess the impact of a remote, app-delivered intervention on emotional well-being of lonely older adults. Neuroimaging and autonomic physiology will be used to assess the neural correlates of the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:65 years of age or olderEnglish language fluencyNaive 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-indicationsCognitively healthy (no diagnosis of dementia, stroke, developmental disorders, or major systemic diseases that may impact cognitive function)Exclusion Criteria:Below 65 years of ageNot fluent in EnglishActive meditator (meditating more than one hour per month and/or meditation practice for more than a year in their entire life-time).Use of prescription or non-prescription psychotropic drugsPresence 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)ClaustrophobiaContraindications for MR safety (e.g. metal in body, cochlea implants)