The health benefits of yoga for seniors
One form of exercise that is becoming popular amongst older people is yoga.
This ancient practice combines different postures, breathing techniques and meditation. It is low impact, which makes it a perfect option for anyone looking for a gentle form of exercise. The benefits include:
Greater flexibility
Feeling stiff throughout joints, ligaments and muscles can lead to pain, injuries and issues over time. Yoga on a regular basis can improve your range of motion.
Reduced joint pain
People as they age may experience pain in their knees, hips and back. Yoga strengthens the muscles throughout the body, which support the joints and in turn reduces discomfort.
Improve balance
Yoga helps to maintain good balance, which is vitally important as people age and the risk of falls increases. Yoga is beneficial as many of the poses challenge stability.
Lower blood pressure
High blood pressure is a common health issue in seniors. Practising yoga is effective in reducing blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular health.
Improved immunity
The body’s immune system weakens as people age which can make us more prone to infections and illnesses. Seniors regularly practise yoga to help boost their immunity and keep infections at bay.
Alleviating stress
For seniors, stress often manifests itself in more physical ways, including health problems. Warning signs of stress may include frequent headaches, sleep problems, insomnia, fatigue (physical and mental), difficulty concentrating, change in appetite, muscle tension, pain, chest pain, stomach upset and more. Yoga is particularly effective at reducing stress, anxiety and depression, leading to better mental health and overall wellbeing.
Improving sleep
Sleep disorders also become more prevalent as people age. Yoga promotes relaxation and can help boost quality sleep.
