Practicing yoga can improve quality of life for seniors. As with any exercise regimen, check with your doctor before beginning yoga for the first time as a senior citizen.
■ Reduce stress: With its combination of low-impact exercises and breathing techniques, yoga can have a relaxing effect on the body and mind, leading to a sense of improved overall wellness. Some forms of yoga have also been shown to have positive effects on brain health, which may help combat the cognitive decline often experienced by seniors.
■ Improve mood: Through stretching, breathing, movement and meditation, there is evidence that yoga has mood-enhancing properties because it can inhibit both physiological stress and inflammation that can adversely affect behavioral health.
■ Improve posture:
– Improve core strength. When the core muscles of the body are strong, the spine is supported to maintain proper alignment.
– Improve bone density. The weight-bearing aspects of yoga may slow the decrease in bone density that leads to osteoporosis.
– Greater awareness of the body. Through yoga’s focus on the body and breath, seniors can feel more in control of their bodies, which makes them more likely to stand tall with confidence.
■ Improve sleep: Older adults are more susceptible to sleep disorders like insomnia. Studies have shown that yoga improves sleep quality after just six months of practice.
■ Increase flexibility: Yoga promotes flexibility through gentle stretching, breathwork and increased internal awareness.
■ Reduce risk of falls: Yoga can prevent/reduce falls by strengthening muscles, improve balance, calm the mind and bring focus into the body.
■ Improve mobility: Stiff muscles and joints are common among senior citizens, but practicing yoga can gently support your range of motion.
■ Increase strength: Even the most gentle yoga can strengthen your body. Using a combination of gravity and your own body weight, yoga can help build lean muscle to make you stronger.
■ Increase social interactions: People may find themselves increasingly isolated as they get older. Attending group yoga classes is a great way to stay engaged within your community.
■ Encourage mindfulness: Yoga focuses on breathing and listening to your body. Looking inward in this way helps create a deeper connection between your mind and body.
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*Excerpt from bodynbrain.com
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