The beauty of yoga is that it can be adapted to an individual\u2019s needs. Practices can range from physically demanding Power yoga to gentle chair yoga. As mobility issues and chronic conditions can impact different forms of fitness, low-impact, gentle yoga is a great option for older adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Yoga for Seniors:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1.<\/strong> Helps to improve physical health<\/strong>. Yoga is a great practice to help improve strength, balance,<\/strong> and flexibility<\/strong>. As we age, the range of motion in our joints tends to decrease, as well as strength and mobility. By building up functional fitness through gentle yoga poses, you can decrease risk of falls, lower back pain, and osteoporosis. Yoga also helps to reduce high blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2<\/strong>. Improves sleep<\/strong>. Practicing yoga regularly can help alleviate sleep disturbances<\/strong>, which are a common complaint amongst the older adult population. Studies have shown that engaging in a regular yoga practice leads to improvements in duration and overall quality of sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3<\/strong>. Enhances lung capacity<\/strong>. For those with respiratory issues such as bronchitis and COPD, yoga can be useful in putting symptoms and bay. As yoga often focuses on breath practice, or pranayama, it can help to strengthen muscles used in respiration and increase lung capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4.<\/strong> Improves mental health. Research has shown that regularly practicing yoga can lower the stress<\/strong> hormone cortisol<\/strong>, leading to reduced stress, anxiety, and lower chance of depression. Through mindful breathing techniques and meditation, yoga offers a greater sense of peace and focus on the present moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5<\/strong>. Provides social opportunity. Staying social <\/strong>as you age is important. Research has shown engaging in social interaction as a senior decreases risk of chronic illnesses and reduces risk of developing dementia. Yoga is a great opportunity to get out and mingle and provide a sense of community with others. Seniors can also practice at-home yoga with the help of our Happier at Home caregivers, who can provide gentle support as they stretch, or even participate with them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to Start Practicing:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a multitude of ways that yoga can be adapted to an older adult\u2019s exercise routine and fitness goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Chair:<\/strong> Chair yoga is a great option for those who are limited by their physical mobility or balance issues. Staying seated while going through a modified version of traditional yoga poses ensures that even frail seniors or those with limited flexibility can safely do the exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n