Yoga is a surprisingly good activity for seniors who want to maintain their general health and wellbeing, because all of the common health issues faced by seniors can be significantly improved through regular yoga practice. There is still a misconception surrounding yoga that is only for younger people but this couldn’t be further from the truth. As long as you take it slowly and don’t push yourself to hard, yoga can be of enormous benefit to elderly people.
So let’s take a look at some of the key benefits associated with this ancient practice.
Wake Up Feeling Refreshed
Insomnia and poor sleep patterns are a common problem for seniors and over time this can lead to numerous health issues.
Yoga can be a great solution for anyone struggling to get a good night’s sleep as through physical exercise and relaxation techniques it can help to make sure you fall asleep more easily and achieve an increased depth and duration of sleep.
Independence
Yoga poses teach you how to use the entire surface of your feet and distribute your body weight equally, for optimum balance and stability. Stable balance and good posture reduces the risk of accidents, helping seniors to maintain their mobility and independence.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common health complaint for seniors and left untreated can be incredibly dangerous.
Studies have shown that the calming effect of yoga’s breathing techniques combined with gentle cardiovascular exercise can help to reduce high blood pressure to a much safer level in just a short period of time.
Unwanted Toxins
Immune systems become far less efficient in the later stages of life leaving us more susceptible to all of those nasty cold and flu bugs. Many of the yoga poses are specifically designed to help the body to release unwanted toxins, kick starting the immune system and giving it a well needed boost.
Effective Pain Relief
Yoga can be an effective tool to help you manage pain and in some cases it can reduce dependence on pain medication. Seniors experiencing pain in their joints and muscles, or suffering the effects of arthritis often find yoga practice highly beneficial.
Improved Memory and Concentration
Yoga focuses on both body and mind and teaches great techniques to help you filter out the negative thoughts that can lead to stress.
Managing and reducing stress through yoga helps you to maintain a healthy mind and improves your memory and concentration.
Release Tension
Whilst practicing the various yoga asanas, stretching and breathing deeply, you increase the oxygen supply to the body which helps to relieve pent up tension. This release of tension has a hugely positive impact on anyone who is prone to feelings of anxiety or depression.
A Happier You!
Taking up yoga gives individuals a wonderful boost in confidence on a number of different levels. Practicing yoga can help you to feel fitter, healthier, stronger and happier and through joining a class you open the door to new friendships and social opportunities too.
Regardless of your years, yoga can give you a new lease of life, but don’t just take my word for it. Find a local class and experience the benefits for yourself!
Caring for your body as you age is not always simple that is why enlisting the help of experienced individuals and companies like Heritage Independent Living is for many elderly people the best way to both be cared for and comfortable.