Yoga for Seniors

Yoga for seniors is becoming more and more popular because the benefits are so varied. As a person ages, joints become less mobile and often arthritis sets in. Circulation slows and the organs bodily systems become weak. Yoga is a scientifically verified exercise for relieving these conditions.

Our senior population is growing rapidly as is their interest in leading active, fit lives. On the whole, we live longer than we used to, and we all want to live high-quality lives and want good health to be a part of our older years. As we grow older, however, we typically become more susceptible to ailments that are linked to aging, and, as a result, we tend to move less. The less we move, the more susceptible we become to a variety of ailments, and so it becomes a truly vicious cycle.

Extended periods of sitting lead to muscular shortening, tightening and weakening. Lack of weight-bearing activity contributes to osteoporosis. Lack of movement and stretching leads to joint deterioration and loss of flexibility. Another difficulty with our senior population is the lack of balance which stems, in part, from sitting rather than standing and from not challenging one’s balance in various positions. Complications resulting from falls among people over the age of 65 frequently lead to a multitude of serious problems, sometimes culminating in death.

Many health concerns have been linked to the sedentary lifestyle which is typical of many older people, including, but not limited to, the following: seniors

Yoga has been shown to help alleviate or reduce many of these health challenges, making it an increasingly popular exercise choice for our older adult population. Researchers are beginning to take a closer look at our growing senior population and the health conditions associated with aging, the health concerns of this population and at how these issues can be addressed. Yoga is considered by many to be a tremendous tool for combating the concerns of an aging society.

As we age, we stop breathing fully. Yoga reminds us that it is important to exhale as fully as we inhale. As we grow older, we lose flexibility in our ribcage, and sometimes suffer from spinal deformities, creating less room for lung expansion. Mindful breathing takes into consideration the three purposes of breathing: replenishing, warming, and cleansing. Focusing on full inhalations and exhalations serves to slow down the heart rate which, in turn, improves focus and increases concentration.

Benefits of Yoga for the Elderly Include: