The Exceptional Health Benefits of Senior Yoga

Today, people across the world have become aware of Yoga, the ancient life science of India and its humongous benefits. The regular practice of yoga impacts every aspect of an individual’s life – physical, psychological, social and spiritual. On the spiritual level, it is based on the premise that the basic, true nature of all human beings is “Satchidanand” – truth, pure consciousness and bliss.

It is critical to inculcate physical activity in our lives as we age to help perpetuate a healthy lifestyle. Yoga is one of the best exercise routines for seniors that can make them more independent thus making them safer and feeling at their best. Senior yoga is one of the best workout routines impacting the physical, mental, and emotional health of seniors.

The Health Benefits of Yoga for seniors 

Following are the extensive and exceptionally valuable senior yoga health benefits during the advancing years: 

1.Better Bone, Joint Health, and improved mobility 

Yoga protects seniors against osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes bones brittle and weak as bone mass and bone density decline with age. However, studies indicate yoga can not only help avoid osteoporosis but can even improve the quality of life of seniors already suffering from this condition. For seniors having flexibility issues or with painful and stiff joints, regular yoga can help strengthen muscles, relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent future injury.

2. Reduce High Blood Pressure 

An elemental cause of hypertension is oxidative stress (imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals in the body). This imbalance is subdued in seniors doing regular yoga leading to effective control of high blood pressure and therefore less risk of stroke, heart failure, and kidney diseases.

3.Improved Pulmonary Function 

Deep breathing is a vital part of yoga. Yoga leads to decreased heart and respiratory rates and improved lung functioning. Healthy lungs are crucial for better oxygen absorption. For seniors with asthma or other respiratory issues, yoga helps in the improvement of overall respiration quality.

4. Age-associated Aches and Pains 

Ageing can come with its share of aches and pains. Yoga is beneficial for pains related to osteoarthritis and limited mobility. It also teaches how to relax and breathe right through any chronic pain one may be dealing with.

5.Better Sleep 

Lack of quality sleep hurts the physical and mental health of seniors. Because of yoga, seniors are more relaxed and have peace of mind, leading to uninterrupted, sound sleep.

6. Reduced Stress and Anxiety and Improved Mental Health 

Yoga is a great mood booster. The slow, measured movements of yoga combined with deep breathing and meditation, offer a relaxing way to release body tension and create an overall sense of well-being. Stress adversely impacts immunity and can cause high blood pressure leading to mental health issues of anxiety and depression. Regular yoga workouts rejuvenate and eliminate stress and negative thoughts.

7.Sense of Community & Togetherness 

Senior yoga classes help forge a rapport amongst the participants. Social interactions lead to camaraderie and companionship, combating the sense of loneliness in seniors.

8. Spiritual progress 

Sincere and regular yoga practice creates a solid bedrock for meditative practices (dhyana) that are the higher aims of the eight-fold path of yoga (Ashtanga).

9. For the mind

Yoga helps to keep the mind sharp and lively, thereupon slowing down ageing. At times when retired seniors often end up lacking an active role in society, yoga helps by keeping the mind positive and adaptive.

Yoga is one of the best, most effective, and easiest forms of workout for seniors. It has numerous physical & psychological benefits. Age is irrelevant i.e. one is never too young or too old to enjoy and derive the benefits of yoga. Regular yoga practice refreshes your body, mind, and spirit whether you are three or ninety-three. Good health and emotional well-being will keep you self-reliant and productive till late into your life so that you can experience and express better in a way that society benefits from your life experience and wisdom. The regular online yoga programs on MohTV by certified yoga instructors are an important part of our senior engagement activities at Emoha

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should seniors do yoga? 

Minimum three classes a week regularly will allow you to experience the best yoga has to offer.

Is it better to do yoga in the morning or evening, the best time?  

According to Ayurveda, it is most preferable to do yoga in the morning or early evening. The best time recommended for yoga is between 4 – 7 AM.

Should you do yoga on an empty stomach? 

Yoga trainers advocate doing yoga on an empty stomach as one of the most essential preparations for the practice. Avoid eating for 1-2 hours before yoga.

Do you wear socks to yoga? 

There is no place for socks while doing your yoga practice.

Does yoga purify the blood? 

Yes. Yoga gets rid of unwanted impurities such as lactic acid, carbon dioxide, lymphatic fluid, and strengthens the pulmonary system cleaning the blood.