 Falls are the leading cause of injury--related hospitalization and death in the elderly. As such, fear of falling FOF is common among senior populations and often leads to activity avoidance, social isolation, and reduced physical and mental health. Risk of falls is particularly concerning for individuals suffering from late life depression LLD as both depression and antidepressant treatment have been shown to be linked to gait impairments, a strong predictor of fall risk. Currently, our team is conducting a study to examine the effects of a non--pharmacological mind--body therapy commonly known as automatic self--transcending meditation ASTM on autonomic and mood--related symptoms of LLD. This study provides a timely opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between gait disturbances and depression severity, as well as the potential benefits of ASTM intervention on gait and FOF in seniors. Using a GAITRite portable walkway, measures of stride length and gait velocity will be obtained for seniors in the ASTM and control study arms every four weeks for the duration of the ASTM program. The aim of this study is to answer the following research questions: are gait impairments and depression severity correlated, and does ASTM training have any effect on gait and FOF? The results of this study could not only provide insight into the physical manifestations of depression but if ASTM training is found to improve gait and reduce FOF then there is potential to use this mind--body meditation technique as an adjunct therapy to reduce fall risk in seniors with LLD. Furthermore, future research could expand upon these findings to examine the benefits of ASTM on gait impairments secondary to other psychiatric illnesses. 