Research has demonstrated that that can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Reduced anxiety and stress: Through meditation and mindful breathing, yoga encourages you to focus on the present and find a sense of peace.Some promising research has suggested that doing yoga can actually improve bone density in postmenopausal women. For older women and men, a consistent yoga routine that includes weight-bearing postures can help bolster bone strength. Stronger bones: If you're worried about brittle bones and osteoporosis, try yoga.A study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics found that elderly women who practiced yoga three times a week for 12 weeks saw a significant improvement in their respiratory function. Enhanced breathing: The breathing control practices of yoga (known as pranayama) can expand your lung capacity and improve your pulmonary health.In fact, research in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy has shown that regularly engaging in yoga can dramatically boost the overall flexibility of older adults. Holding a pose for several breaths encourages your muscles and connective tissues to relax and loosen, which helps to increase your range of motion. Improved flexibility: Yoga movements can be fantastic stretching exercises for seniors.That can help you become steadier on your feet and reduce your risk of falls. Better balance: Many yoga poses for seniors focus on strengthening the abdominal muscles and improving your core stability.Here are some of the benefits of yoga for seniors: (Just be sure to clear it with your doctor before you get going.) And it's never too late to begin: You can start yoga at any age. In fact, it can be an excellent way to keep your body strong and healthy without the joint stress that comes from other activities like weightlifting or jogging. People of all faiths and belief systems can benefit from participating in yoga.īecause the poses (called asanas) can easily be modified or adapted to suit an individual's needs, yoga is safe for seniors of all fitness or ability levels.
It still has a spiritual aspect, but it is not overtly religious. Despite its roots in Eastern philosophy, yoga as practiced in the West is generally focused on physical fitness. Yoga cultivates a mind-body connection, combining stretching and strengthening postures with deep breathing and relaxation.
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And it even provides examples of helpful books, videos, and DVDs as well as tips on how to find appropriate classes. It also offers information about basic poses and explains what you should do before you begin any yoga routine. This article outlines the many benefits of senior yoga and describes several of the best types of yoga for older men and women (including the increasingly popular discipline of chair yoga). That was a significant jump from the four million who did so in 2012. The 2016 Yoga in America Study found that nearly 14 million Americans over the age of 50 practiced yoga that year.
It's no wonder, then, that yoga is becoming increasingly popular among seniors. In fact, as you will see, doing yoga regularly can result in a host of benefits for older adults, from greater flexibility and improved balance to lower stress and better sleep. For seniors who are looking for a safe, effective way to enhance their physical health and overall wellness, the stretching, breathing, and meditation practices of yoga can be a great solution. You're never too old to reap the rewards of yoga. Yoga for Seniors: How to Get Started (And Why You Should)
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