Yoga Is Good For Seniors Too

September is National Yoga Awareness Month

 

If you’ve never tried yoga, now’s the time. September is the official National Yoga Month (a national observance designated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) designed to educate people about the health benefits of yoga and to inspire a healthy lifestyle. And yoga is a great activity for seniors too.

There’s even a website dedicated to helping seniors find classes and instructors in their area: yoga4seniors.com. As the website states, “With seniors age 65 and older representing the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. population, the basic tools of yoga — such as relaxation breathing and gentle postures — offer a powerful, yet low-cost and accessible means to enhance quality of life and to ease suffering caused by many ailments common to seniors including arthritis, chronic pain and heart disease.”

 

Benefits

The benefits of yoga for seniors are much the same as those for the general population: increased muscle tone, balance, strength, and improved mood. Through breathing exercises lung capacity is increased. You can expect your posture to improve and you may sleep better. If you experience stress, yoga can help counteract that too. But keep in mind that these benefits won’t come overnight after a single yoga class. Regularly attending at least three classes a week will allow you to enjoy the best yoga has to offer.

 

Type

What kind of yoga you choose to do depends on your age, current level of fitness, and physical ability. If you’re starting a fitness regime for the first time (or after a long break) or have already lost significant muscle tone and flexibility, you should start with a very gentle hatha practice. Although it’s possible to learn yoga from books and videos, the best way is through teacher instruction in a yoga class. Attending class will allow you to get the most out of yoga with the least risk of injury. Iyengar yoga, with its emphasis on adapting the practice through the use of props is also good for seniors and many Iyengar centers offer classes for this demographic. Viniyoga, which adapts the practice to fit each individual, is also a great option, as are chair yoga and water yoga. This website also offers a list of 10 yoga exercises for seniors should you wish to try yoga on your own.

 

Precautions

Be sure to speak to your doctor before trying yoga, especially if you suffer from any chronic conditions or are very inactive. Those with spinal disk problems or glaucoma should take special care, as there are poses to avoid (twists and inversions, respectively).

 

About National Yoga Month

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated September as National Yoga Month, one of a select number of national health observances. That same year, thousands of yoga and health enthusiasts participated in a 10 City Yoga Health Festival Tour featuring yoga classes, lectures, music, entertainment, exhibits. Since then, the initiative has taken root as a global awareness campaign, educating, inspiring and motivating people to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Yoga Month is coordinated by the Yoga Health Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Yoga studios, teachers and organizers are encouraged to offer free yoga classes and events in their community and list them at www.yogahealthfoundation.org.

 

About Alternatives For Seniors

If you’re presently seeking a senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community for yourself or a senior loved one, don’t forget to visit alternativesforseniors.com to assist your search. We can even help you find assisted-living residences that offer yoga classes and sessions.

 

BLOG Date: Monday, September 29, 2014

Writer: Ryan Allen