Yoga for Seniors: Can I Do Yoga at 85?
The oldest yogi or yoga instructor in the world is 94 years old, her name is Tao Porchon-Lynch, and she says: “Yoga brightens up my every day, and the people around me are always smiling, thanks to yoga.” This is one example and confirmation that we don’t have to practice Yoga only if we are young.
The elderly population can practice yoga as the benefits of yoga for seniors are similar to those for the entire population. These include improved balance and stability, reduced muscle pain and raised energy levels in the body, increased lung capacity, reduced depression and anxiety, relieved stress symptoms, better sleep, etc.
The senior population faces memory challenges, poor concentration, and poor brain functioning, i.e., the balance between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Yoga for the elderly can greatly help in solving these challenges that can affect the performance and satisfaction of basic daily needs.
The benefits of yoga for the elderly are physical and better psychological stability, where the stability of a healthy body, mind, and spirit is maintained, and feelings of community and belonging are established.
Studies have shown that exercise at age 60 and older is of great importance. As we age, bones and muscles lose mass and strength, and metabolism slows down. Regular exercise, i.e., practicing yoga, can slow down these processes and maintain a healthy and functional body.
In addition to yoga, frequent walks, bike rides, swimming, as well as strength and plyometrics training that are adapted for the elderly population are recommended. Yoga as a preventive measure, is a good choice if you want to stay healthy and vital and your body stable and strong.
Benefits of yoga for the elderly population
Special yoga exercises combined with breathing techniques and other applied techniques can help you to:
- Become aware and get to know your body better through gentle movements
- Stretch your body without forcing it
- Increase strength, flexibility, and vitality
- Reduce back and joint pain
- Balance blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar
- Balance the work of internal organs and glands
- Breathe more correctly and increase the body’s resistance
- Remove muscle spasms and reduce symptoms of asthma and bronchitis
- Improve sleep and mood
- Improve attention, concentration, and memory
- Increase self-confidence
- Speed up circulation, improve the work of internal organs, digestion
- Improve cognitive abilities
- Get a better memory
- Reduce the risk of injuries and fractures
- Reduce your stress levels and calm your mind
For more information on yoga classes suitable for seniors, contact us or read more about the Hatha yoga and Power yoga classes we offer.