Social Worker-led Mindfulness-based Intervention for Older People

Preliminary findings from a previous study conducted by the investigators suggest that a task-shared approach with modified mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) supported by social workers is beneficial in managing depressive symptoms and improving mindful non-reactivity among older adults. However, the possibility for social workers to lead a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) independently to improve its scalability and service accessibility remains unclear. The project aims to: 1. Evaluate the effectiveness of social worker-led MBI in improving depression in older adults with mild to moderate depressive symptoms as compared to care as usual; 2. Examine the effectiveness of incorporating peer supporters in social worker-led MBI compared to those without peer supporters; 3. To identify potential mechanisms of change in MBI for depressive symptoms.