The benefits of yoga for seniors are numerous when practiced correctly and regularly.
Yoga, especially for Seniors, can help to feel more relaxed, flexible, and balanced both physically and mentally.
Here are some of the most important benefits that Yoga can have for Seniors.
8 Benefits of Yoga for Seniors
Strong Bones
One of the many benefits that Seniors can have by practicing yoga regularly, is that it helps to strengthen their bones. This is important, as strong bones help to reduce the risk of fractures and other injuries.
Yoga helps to improve balance and stability, which are essential for keeping bones healthy. Additionally, regular yoga practice can help to increase bone density, making bones stronger and less susceptible to fractures.
Better Sleep
People who practice yoga often report better sleep. This is because yoga helps to relax the body and mind.
Yoga also helps to improve breathing patterns, which can also help to improve sleep.
If you have trouble falling asleep or suffer from bad quality of sleep, you should try some Yin Yoga directly before going to bed. After your practice, you should avoid using your phone, laptop, or watching television, as this can again keep you awake.
Improves Flexibility
When it comes to improving flexibility, yoga is one of the best exercises around. And this is especially beneficial for seniors, as we tend to lose more range of motion as we age.
Yoga helps to stretch and lengthen muscles and also underlying deeper tissue, which can help improve overall flexibility. This again leads to an overall increase in mobility and a better range of motion.
An increase in your range of motion will make everyday activities like getting dressed or climbing stairs a lot easier.
Strength
As we grow older we lose more and more muscle mass and strength. Yoga is a great way to prevent this or to regain your strength.
Some of the best poses to increase general strength for seniors are:
- Warrior II
- Downward-facing Dog
- Sphinx Pose
Improves Heart Health
Yoga is a great way to keep your heart healthy because it strengthens and tones the muscles, helps improve circulation and breathing, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and improves your overall fitness.
Improves Balance
Yoga can help improve your balance by strengthening your core muscles. Almost all Yoga Poses if practiced correctly will help you gain more balance and improve your stability. Additionally balancing Yoga poses like standing poses will increase the proprioceptive function of the muscles which is a great preventative measure against falling.
Standing Yoga Poses include:
- Tree Pose
- Half-moon Pose
- Warrior III
Reduces the Risk of Depression
Yoga is a safe and effective way to manage depression and can be practiced by people of all ages.
Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age. However, seniors are especially vulnerable to depression.
Research has shown that yoga can improve mood and anxiety levels, as well as increase feelings of well-being and self-esteem. In addition, yoga can help seniors stay physically active, which is important for gaining self-confidence, body awareness and for preventing or managing depression.
Ease Aches and Pains
Yoga is effective in easing pain because it strengthens and stretches the muscles.
Some yoga poses that can help reduce knee pain:
- Bridge Pose
- Chair Pose
- Warrior I and II
Some yoga poses that can help reduce back pain
- Cat-Cow
- Sphinx Pose
- Bridge Pose.
Best Yoga Styles for Seniors
There are a variety of yoga styles that are suitable for seniors:
- Hatha yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is good for beginners.
- Iyengar yoga is a more strenuous form of yoga that is good for people who are already physically active.
- Yin Yoga is a gentle style of Yoga that concentrates on relaxing and rejuvenating the body.
Final thoughts on the Benefits of Yoga for Seniors
If you have been considering giving yoga a try- don’t hesitate. The combination of exercise, meditation, and socialization are great ways to improve your overall health. Plus, it’s never too late to start doing something new that could help make life easier and more fun.
FAQ
How often should Seniors practice Yoga?
For best results, the body should be moved every day. It is very important though to listen to your body and start off gently. On days when the muscles are aching Yin Yoga would be a better choice than for example Vinyasa Yoga.
Is 70 too old to start Yoga?
You are never too old to start Yoga, however, you should start at your level of fitness. Start gently and increase the intensity gradually.