Impact of Regression Anchoring on Rumination, Quality of Life, and Functional Health in Older Adults

The global increase in life expectancy has resulted in a significant rise in the population of older adults, particularly in developing regions such as South Asia. While this demographic shift reflects advancements in healthcare and social development, it also introduces complex challenges related to physical health, psychological well-being, and social integration. Older adults often experience heightened rumination, functional health decline, and diminished quality of life, exacerbated by the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. This study thus introduced a technique grounded in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) anchoring method called Regression Anchoring and its efficacy in addressing these challenges. A sample of 169 older adults from India and Bangladesh participated in the intervention, which employed sensory cues to anchor positive emotional states and promote psychological resilience. Pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments measured rumination, functional health, and quality of life using validated instruments. Results indicated a statistically significant reduction in rumination, improved functional health, and enhanced quality of life among participants. These findings suggest that Regression Anchoring effectively mitigates the psychological and physiological stressors associated with ageing, fostering emotional well-being and functional independence. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive, evidence-based interventions to address the biopsychosocial challenges faced by older adults. Further research is recommended to explore long-term outcomes and the scalability of this approach in diverse populations.