The benefits of yoga for seniors are much the same as those for the general population: increased muscle tone, balance (which is particularly important), strength, and improved mood.
Through pranayama (breathing exercises), lung capacity is increased. You can expect your posture to improve and you may sleep better. If you experience stress, yoga can help counteract that too. But keep in mind that these benefits will not come overnight after a single yoga class. Regularly attending at least three classes a week will allow you to enjoy the best yoga has to offer.
If you are brand new to yoga, our how to start guide offers a wealth of practical advice to help you feel more comfortable entering this new world, from basic yoga etiquette to the first ten poses you may encounter.
One of the most incredible benefits of yoga is its low-impact, life long practice qualities. Yoga can be done from age three to ninety-three! Yoga recently has really caught on with the baby boomer generation and those now entering their golden years.
Yoga is incredible for an older population to help them maintain their balance, keep their joints flexible, maintain bone health and muscle mass, as well as learn how to cope with their mental state as they witness their bodies aging.
Yoga is great for focus, concentration, and emotional wellbeing. Seniors can benefit tremendously from the practice and it gives them a place to quiet their mind and start to slow down in life. Group classes are also wonderful for an older population because it gives them a sense of purpose and community.
I work with clients in their sixties, seventies, and even eighties. I find these particular yoga poses wonderful for them to keep working on. I often tell them they can use a chair for extra balance for all of the standing postures listed here. If you work with an older population or are a senior yourself, use these poses three to four times a week to keep the body strong and youthful.
Is Yoga Appropriate for Seniors?
In most cases, seniors can absolutely do yoga. Many people with hectic schedules only find the time for activities like yoga in retirement. Though the tendency is to become more sedentary, retirement is the perfect time to pick up healthy habits that will promote longevity.
Attending a yoga class regularly also establishes a sense of community and friendship with teachers and fellow students. These types of social connections have been shown to be surprisingly important for maintaining health and well-being as we age.
Precautions
Be sure to speak to your doctor before trying yoga, especially if you suffer from any chronic conditions or are very inactive. Those with spinal disc problems or glaucoma should take special care, as there are poses to avoid (twists and inversions, respectively).
For more info visit https://www.verywellfit.com/yoga-for-seniors-3566737
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