Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

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Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for people of all ages, but it is a particularly good option for senior citizens who are looking to start being more active without engaging in high-impact activities. Although the benefits of doing yoga are much the same for seniors as they are for those who fall into younger demographics, the benefits can have an especially positive effect on aging individuals’ lifestyles. You will learn more about this as you continue reading here.

Yoga keeps seniors flexible: Any athlete will tell you that yoga is great for flexibility. As people age, they are often less active than they were when they were younger, which leads to reduced flexibility and muscle tone. As a result, this particular benefit is an important one. As a general rule, the more flexible a person is, the better his or her overall joint health is. This is great news for senior citizens, who frequently suffer from joint pain and stiffness. Over time, a regular yoga practice can greatly reduce or even eliminate this discomfort.

Yoga leads to better respiration: Frequently, older people suffer from reduced respiration due to age. This can lead to physical issues, such as severe shortness of breath after even the shortest periods of minor exertion. Learning to control your breathing is one of the most critical aspects of yoga, so when seniors practice yoga regularly, this will help with respiration issues. Hatha yoga is a popular choice among senior citizens as it’s slow and involves easy movements.

Yoga lowers anxiety and increases mindfulness: Practicing yoga is an excellent way to reduce anxiety, as it encourages people to be mindful of their lifestyles and actions each day.  By using breathing techniques, the short breaths that come with anxiety are slowed down. For chronic worriers, participating in yoga helps to stop the “worry mode” that we may find ourselves in.

Tips & Tricks for Seniors Practicing Yoga

  • Go at your own pace
  • Don’t force yourself into poses
  • Feel free to modify poses to your comfort
  • Keep water by the yoga mat to stay hydrated
  • Don’t eat a heavy meal beforehand

At New Horizons at Marlborough, we offer yoga for our residents along with watercise classes so seniors can choose which activity is best for them.

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