If you are living by the false perception that the art of yoga is only for the younger generation then let me correct you as this is not the truth. Yoga is for everyone. The seniors can also practice yoga and gain glorious benefits.
Yoga isn’t just for the young and fit, but for everyone who wishes to reap the wonderful benefits of this glorious science. It’s never too late to commence on a healthy journey and you are never too old to stop the exercise. Gentle practices at an older age can do wonders to keep your physical and mental health in the best of shape as long as possible.
Getting old grants many gifts — grace, wisdom, experience to name a few. It also poses many challenges. Many health issues surround the aged human beings. As you move towards aging, it physically becomes harder to carry the extra weight. According to sources, one-third people at the age of 65 or above are obese. Osteoarthritis and other kinds of pain also surface. The risks of life-threatening illness, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and similar problems increase. Reports indicate that seniors experience a higher rate of mental stress and memory loss. They are on the verge of psychological and emotional stress and what not.
The senior citizens are more prone to diseases than the younger population. If you desire to spend more moments of enjoyment with a feeling of forever young then practice yoga for seniors. Know about which yoga poses are best for your body and utilize it well to nourish your well-being. Older beginners can start the practice in the vicinity of their homes or private classes to explore what suits them best.
The art of yoga offers an array of benefits for the body, mind, and soul keeping them forever strong and beautiful.
Here are seven best yoga benefits for seniors:
Improved balance and stability:
As the person ages, they start to lose the grip and lose equilibrium too. Many yoga poses focuses on building strong muscles that in turn improves balance and stability to the body. It decreases the likelihood of falls.
Provides Flexibility:
Several senior citizens complain about the aches and stiffness in the body due to reduced flexibility. Gentle yoga practices are a great option to increase flexibility in elderly citizens. Yoga loosens and tones the muscles and provides many therapeutic benefits.
Improves Respiration:
Growing age introduces respiratory limitations and less tolerance to physical exertion. A person can go without food for days but can’t do more than a few seconds without breathing. Lack of oxygen in the respiratory system can have a negative impact on the mind and body. The science of yoga incorporates many breathing techniques and several yoga postures to naturally improve the respiratory system.
Fights arthritis:
The aged suffer from osteoarthritis and they are the ideal candidates for the practice of yoga. Various yoga asanas are effective in curing arthritis without the risk of injury. Hatha, Iyengar are some of the yoga styles that are effective for senior people.
Reduces Hypertension:
The risk of high blood pressure increases with age. Yoga practice puts less pressure on the heart and decreases the diastolic pressure number. Pranayama and meditation techniques are also beneficial.
Relief from anxiety:
Yoga is calm and restorative that relaxes the physical and psychological health of a person. It soothes the nervous system as the disturbed nervous system creates havoc in mind.
Mood Lifter:
The daily yoga practice provides tranquility to the soul and various breathing techniques make you aware of the self that results in a happier state of mind.
It is a proven fact that the yoga extends benefits to all whether a kid or a senior. So, take up yoga for seniors for a soulful life.
About The Author:
Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveler in India. He provides yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India. He loves writing and reading the books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas. His strong connection with Yoga and the Himalayas has made him organize yoga, meditation and Ayurveda tours, and retreats in the Himalayas. You can connect with him at 200hrsyogattc.com.
