The mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between mindfulness and life satisfaction in older adults

Objective To evaluate the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between mindfulness and life satisfaction in 310 older Peruvian adults. Methods The Mindful Awareness Attention Scale (MAAS-5), the UCLA-LS three-item scale (UCLA-LS-3), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were administered. A mediational structural equation model and sex invariance were tested using multigroup factor analysis. Results The mediational model showed a good fit (X²₍₆₂₎ = 121.899; CFI = .954, TLI = .942; RMSEA = .056; SRMR = .048). Mindfulness has an inverse relationship with loneliness (β = −.450, P =.000) and a direct relationship with life satisfaction (β = .372, P =.000). Similarly, loneliness has an inverse relationship with life satisfaction (β = -.409, P =.000). The indirect effect of mindfulness on life satisfaction through loneliness was β = −.184 ( P =.000). Evidence of measurement invariance by sex was presented. Conclusion Loneliness plays a mediating role in the relationship between mindfulness and life satisfaction in older adults.