Why Should Seniors Try Yoga?
Maintaining a level of physical activity is vital for healthy aging. Exercise helps keep us mobile, improving our balance and flexibility and allows us to stay independent for as long as possible. You’ll feel more energetic and can even manage some of your chronic aches and pains, all by being physically active for about 30 minutes a day!
Yoga is one of the best exercises for seniors, due to the fact that it’s a low-impact activity that helps keep you improve your flexibility and strength. Yoga has even been known to boost your overall mood! Plus, you don’t need any equipment or a fancy gym to practice yoga. The moves can be done right in the comfort of your own living room.
Senior Yoga-What are the Benefits?
If you’re newly retired, now is the perfect time to pick up some healthier habits and try some things you may not have had time to consider in your working years. If you’ve never tried yoga before, check out a class and experience some of the benefits of yoga for seniors, like:
- Enhanced balance, flexibility, mobility and strength. Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, and yoga enables you to build your strength and mobility, allowing you to get around more safely. The slow, measured movements involved with yoga poses can lead to better balance and movement, which can also help prevent falls.
- Relieve aches and pains. If you suffer from conditions like osteoarthritis, yoga is especially beneficial. It can teach you how to relax and breathe through some of the chronic aches and pains that tend to come along with aging, even if you have some physical limitations.
- Stronger bones. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone can’t keep up with the removal of old bone. Yoga for seniors can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis, which causes bones to become brittle or weak.
- Lower stress levels. Yoga not only offers a relaxing way to let go of the tension you’re holding in your body, but it’s also been known to help relieve some of the stresses that lead to hypertension, which in turn leads to not needing as many medications on a daily basis. Yoga also helps reduce anxiety, lowering your heart rate, blood pressure, and helping you breathe easier.
- Improved sleeping habits. Seniors often report they have trouble falling or staying asleep. Because yoga for seniors can be so relaxing, many individuals report that they are sleeping longer and more soundly.
- Lessen the risk for depression. The combination of movement, breathing and meditation can create an overall sense of well-being and boost your mood. Plus, because yoga is done is a class setting with your peers, you’re getting the benefit of staying socially active, as well.
Adding Yoga to Your Daily Workout Routine
If you’re interested in trying a senior yoga class, start at a beginner’s level class and listen to your body. Attending a class is the best way to get started, because the instructors help you get the most out of yoga and lower your risk of injury. If any of the poses feel uncomfortable or lead to pain, consult the instructor and learn how to modify the movements to your skill level.
At Galloway Ridge, we offer yoga for seniors at the Duke Center for Living on a regular basis. Our professional and caring staff are ready to help you meet your fitness goals and improve your overall quality of life.
