Mindfulness and Healthcare Spending Among Non-Hispanic Black Older Adults: A Stratified Analysis of the Health and Retirement Study

Introduction Healthcare spending among older adults is a growing concern, particularly for racial minorities who face healthcare disparities. Mindfulness practices may reduce healthcare utilization and costs, but their relationship with spending among racial minorities remains understudied. This study examines the association between mindfulness and healthcare spending, focusing on racial/ethnic differences. Methods This cross-sectional analysis used 2021 Health and Retirement Study data (n=4,001). Mindfulness was assessed by asking participants how often they “use their mind,” with responses dichotomized as “Often” or “Sometimes.” Healthcare spending was dichotomized into above/below average. Weighted logistic regression models examined associations overall and stratified by race/ethnicity. Results Most participants (92.37%) reported frequently engaging in mindfulness practices. In the overall sample, no significant association was found between mindfulness and healthcare spending (OR=1.214, 95% CI: 0.677-2.176). However, when stratified by race, non-Hispanic Black participants (n=267) who often practiced mindfulness had nearly four times higher odds of reduced healthcare spending (OR=3.777, 95% CI: 1.314-10.859). This relationship was not significant among other racial/ethnic groups. Discussion The significant association between mindfulness and reduced healthcare spending, specifically among non-Hispanic Black older adults, highlights the importance of examining heterogeneous effects across racial groups. Mindfulness may be particularly beneficial for populations experiencing chronic stress related to discrimination. Conclusion These findings suggest that culturally tailored mindfulness interventions could be cost-effective approaches to improving health outcomes and reducing financial burdens among non-Hispanic Black older adults.