As we age, it’s easy to stop being as active as we once were. However, keeping active and mobile is essential to your body and mind, especially for seniors, and a great way to do this is by doing yoga. Yoga is a low-impact activity that promotes many physical and mental benefits so that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. A regular yoga practice will see positive impacts on your entire well-being, both physical and mental. It will keep seniors active, promote better sleep, aid in managing mood swings and contribute to your overall well-being.
Maintains mobility
One significant aspect of yoga is that it can help with mobility. It can prevent our bodies from becoming stiffer and weaker as we age, making it more challenging to move, even in our day-to-day lives. By working on mobility through yoga, we can ensure that we can move freely without any strain or pain, as well as maintain strength and stamina as much as possible.
Improves balance
There is a big focus on balance and stability in yoga. This will be greatly beneficial for seniors as falls can be quite a common concern as we age. By working on a regular yoga routine, balance can be improved and maintained through strengthening the muscles.
Alleviates pain
With all the pain and aches that come with aging, it’ll be a relief to know that yoga can assist in alleviating that. It facilitates decreasing pain perception, meaning that the pain will feel less strong than before. This can then carry over to day-to-day life, in which less severe pain will mean that they’ll be able to function better.
Relieves stress
We all know that physical activity can help reduce stress and yoga is no different. Yoga is perfect for seniors wanting to reset, unwind and let go of any anxiety. Breathing control is an integral element of yoga as well; this will really assist in mitigating these struggles as it causes your heart rate to slow down and gives you something to focus on, which can serve as a good distraction.
Boosts mood
The stress relief that yoga provides for seniors also extends to boosting mood. Regular yoga practice can induce calmness and relaxation and who doesn’t feel happier when you’re relaxed? It also releases endorphins which will make you feel good. Yoga is also beneficial in managing any mood swings you may experience. With yoga, you’ll feel more grounded and centered.
Better sleep
Seniors will benefit from better sleep, thanks to regular yoga. As it promotes better posture, calmness, and breathing techniques, it can positively impact the time it takes to fall asleep as well as the length and quality of sleep.
Tips for seniors starting yoga
Talk to your doctor and/or instructor – Yoga has exercises that may require positions that your current condition may not allow you to do, such as movements with your head down. Talk to your doctor and/or qualified yoga instructor about what works best for your health and body.
Ease into it – It can be exciting to just jump into it but make sure you take it slow and learn the correct techniques to reduce injury and really take advantage of the benefits yoga has to offer. Take breaks during the session when needed and go at your own pace.
Stop if there’s pain – Don’t push your body past the point of comfort where it leads to pain. This will lead to injury. Know your limits and while you can push and challenge yourself, pain is not a sign that you’re doing that.
Maintain a regular practice – Doing yoga two to three times a week is ideal to get the best benefits from yoga.
Try an Aaptiv Yoga Class
Slow Flow with Nicole in this 18 minute restorative and gentle flow class.