10 Ways that Yoga Helps Seniors
Yoga can help with health conditions associated with aging
Studies show that yoga can help with a variety of health conditions associated with aging. Some of these include arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more. Yoga helps to improve flexibility and strength that often diminish as we age.
Yoga can improve balance and coordination
As we age, our balance and coordination often decline. Yoga can help to improve these skills by helping to strengthen the muscles that control our balance. In addition, yoga poses require focus and concentration, which can also help to improve balance and coordination.
Yoga helps with stress relief
Stress can be harmful, but it is also unavoidable. Yoga allows seniors to release stress by focusing on the exercises at hand and concentrating on breathing techniques that are often associated with yoga practice.
Yoga helps improve posture
There are many yoga poses that help strengthen the muscles of our upper body which include shoulders, back, chest, arms, and hands. These poses help to improve our posture, which often declines as we age.
Yoga helps improve breathing
Many seniors suffer from poor respiratory health due to conditions such as asthma, COPD, and more. Yoga can help to improve respiratory function by strengthening the lungs and teaching better breathing techniques.
Yoga can help reduce anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are common in seniors, but they can be treated with yoga. Yoga helps to improve mood by releasing endorphins that make us feel happy. In addition, the focus required for yoga practice can help to distract from negative thoughts and emotions.
Yoga is a social activity
Many seniors feel lonely and isolated. Yoga can be a social activity that allows them to connect with others who share their interest in yoga. In addition, many yoga classes offer a sense of community and support.
Yoga is low impact
Seniors are often worried about injuring themselves if they participate in high-impact exercises. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that is gentle on the joints and muscles.
Yoga can be done anywhere
Unlike other exercises such as running or cycling, yoga can be practiced almost anywhere. This means that seniors do not need to go to a gym or special class in order to participate. They can practice at home in their own time.
Yoga helps improve the overall health
The benefits of yoga are not just limited to the physical body. Yoga can also help to improve mental well-being and overall health. When we feel good mentally and physically, we tend to live better lives.
As you can see, there are many reasons why seniors should consider joining yoga classes. So if you have been contemplating getting involved in a fitness class, yoga is a great option to consider. Give it a try and see how you feel.