The Benefits of yoga as a Low-Impact Exercise for Older Adults

Yoga is a philosophical and physical practice that's been around for over 5000 years. It's believed to have its roots in India. Over the centuries it has evolved into a more spiritual practice used to promote spiritual growth, physical health and mental well-being. More recently it has become a popular form of low-impact exercise and stress relief for older adults.

Yoga is a low-impact form of exercise that involves physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. It is an excellent form of low-impact exercise for older adults. But no matter what your age or physical ability might be, yoga has the potential of benefiting your body and your mind. Recently there have been studies showing the benefits of yoga for senior citizens.

Because of this, the practice of yoga is becoming increasingly popular among retirees.

Physical Benefits:

The physical benefits of yoga is one of the most significant reasons for its practice among retirees. As we age, we tend to experience an increasing number of physical challenges like a decreased sense of balance.

Slips and falls due to balance issues can result in head injuries and broken hips. They are the leading cause of death among senior citizens. Maintaining a good sense of balance is extremely important for seniors.

Declining muscle strength, less flexibility and increasing joint pain also increase the risk of a loss of balance.

Yoga also helps to improve your circulation, which is important for older adults because an improved circulatory system helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, yoga can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which are common among older adults. Yoga has been shown to be an effective way to counteract all of these age-related changes.

Mental Health Benefits:

Seniors who add yoga to their low-impact exercise routine have a significant improvement in overall mental well-being compared to those who don't.

The stress and anxiety that accompanies the aging process can be a major challenge to senior citizens.

Yoga has been shown to be an effective way to reduce these symptoms. Additionally, yoga can improve your sleep quality. This is important for older adults because the quality of your sleep has a direct correlation to depression and anxiety.

Feelings of loneliness and isolation are common among older adults.

Yoga is also an effective way to reduce these feelings especially if you take yoga classes in a community setting. Social support is important for mental health and well-being. Practicing yoga in a class environment can not only improve your mental and physical health, it can provide a sense of community and support for older adults.

Improved Quality of Life:

When you practice yoga on a regular basis you should experience improvements in your physical and mental health. Participating in a yoga class can also improve your social and emotional well-being. Seniors who participated in yoga have a significant improvement in their overall quality of life compared to those who don't.

Do you need any specialized equipment for low-impact yoga?

No, not really. Although there are a few things that will make it easier and more comfortable for you to practice low-impact yoga.

The first thing I would suggest is a yoga mat. The mat is a length of thin rigid foam you will either stand or lye down on. Since yoga is practiced in your bare feet, the mat makes your yoga session much more comfortable. It will also prevent your feet from slipping when certain poses are practiced.

If you have limited mobility and/or flexibility you might want to consider using yoga blocks and a strap to help you modify certain poses and help keep you properly aligned until you gain your flexibility back.

Wearing loose and comfortable clothes is important when practicing low-impact yoga. This will allow you to move more freely and help you maneuver and maintain certain positions.

You can take a look at these items and even purchase them here.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, yoga provides a number of benefits for senior citizens, including physical benefits, mental health benefits, and improved quality of life. As we age, we often experience physical and mental health challenges. Yoga can help to counteract these changes by improving flexibility, balance, strength, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

Additionally, when yoga is practiced in a class environment, it provides a sense of community and support. Social interaction is important for older adults because it helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Overall, yoga is a safe and effective form of low-impact exercise that can provide significant benefits for senior citizens. Yoga is a practice that is worth considering. It's accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities, making it an ideal form of low-impact exercise for older adults.

As always, If you have concerns about any form of exercise, check with your doctor first.

Want to learn more?

Here are a few sources that will provide you with information on the benefits of yoga for senior citizens, as well as precautions and tips for starting a yoga practice.

Yoga for Health: What the Science says.

Nine Benefits of Yoga