How yoga can play a major role in senior health

Yoga is an excellent practice for all ages. With a range of benefits for everyone, it is an accessible and fun form of exercise. And because it is highly modifiable, it is especially powerful for seniors. 

Trying any new exercise plan can be a bit intimidating, but yoga has a very low barrier to entry. Of course, before starting any new exercise program, be sure to talk to your doctor (or your loved one’s doctor) to be sure it is cleared, or to identify any changes or adaptations that should occur. 

Yoga can have a powerful impact on senior health.

While yoga may seem like it’s meant for the young and flexible, it’s an extremely accessible form of movement for every body and ability. Establishing a daily yoga practice has been shown to have some significant benefits for older adults, including:

• Improved muscle tone and strength, particularly from weight-bearing poses like downward-facing dog, warrior poses, and plank pose. 
• Reduced chronic pain, including arthritis pain, as it reduces inflammation and tension in the body, and eases pressure on joints.
• Increases flexibility thanks to the consistent stretching and movement, “awakening” stiff muscles. 
• Improved balance, which can help prevent falls (the #1 cause of injuries among seniors), thanks to yoga’s ability to help with core strength and balance. 
• Mood improvements thanks to the mind-body connection of movement and breathing having a meditative effect. 
• Decreased blood pressure after establishing a daily practice, according to Harvard.
• And more! 

Yoga classes for seniors are fairly common – and accessible.

From local gyms to senior centers and even libraries, many community organizations and centers offer some form of beginner yoga classes. These classes are often designed specifically for seniors, and will have teachers who specialize in helping older adults and newcomers with the poses. 

In particular, a trained yoga practitioner will understand the right adaptations to accommodate seniors who have mobility issues, are in a wheelchair, or otherwise need to alter how they move.

Even seniors who wish to try beginner poses at home can rely on an in-home caregiver to help provide them with a steady hand as they begin to learn the poses. 

Most libraries have beginner or senior yoga DVDs for rent, or you can even search “beginner yoga for seniors” on YouTube for many free workouts. 

Best practices for seniors who wish to practice yoga at home.

Once you or your loved one have spoken to and gotten clearance from a doctor, it’s time to get started! First, determine whether you want to participate in yoga at a studio, in a gym, at a senior center, somewhere else, or at home. If you decide to practice at home, your home care professional can help ensure that your household is ready for a yoga practice by removing any hazards, clearing an area, and setting up your yoga mat, water bottle, towel, straps, and any bolsters you may need. 

Your home care aide can also stand by with a steady hand to provide encouragement as you embrace this new step toward health!

To learn more about our home care services and how we can help you, call us at (405) 461-6175 or contact us today at LiveBetter At Home.