Yoga for seniors at Home and at Play Yoga is a gentle physical and mental health process that is perfectly suited to the elderly. Aging, too often, brings with it ailments that inhibit our activities of daily living and therefore our quality of life. Perhaps it’s the mind-body connection, but as we or our bodies slow down and become less flexible, so too does our mind. In all aspects, practicing yoga can bring a myriad of positive changes for overall health. You’re never too old to do yoga! Yoga caters to all physical abilities, with poses ranging in difficulty, and also provides an opportunity for reflection and meditation or prayer. Therefore, it shouldn’t be surprising to s ee older individuals or caregivers in need of respite, studying or practicing yoga. Although degeneration of the body can limit the types of poses (Asanas) some elderly are able to do, a knowledgeable teacher should be able to show variations and alternatives. Even the milder poses suited for delicate bodies provide real benefits.
“Yoga gives me a chance to give a gift to myself,” says Shirley, a woman in her late sixties who practices yoga twice a week at a local studio in rural Ontario. “The gift is to be able to keep up with my grandchildren and stay active with them for as long as possible.” Even with arthritic joints that have left some of her knuckles deformed, she makes time for herself on the mat knowing the benefits she can both recognize and even those she cannot. “It’s helping me in ways I can see, but I also trust it’s helping in ways I can’t” she mentions confidently. When asked if she feels she has personally noticed the benefits of yoga in her life, she answers with a knowing smile “Oh, yes.”
Why is yoga perhaps the best exercise for the elderly? A continuous practice of gentle yoga can provide: •
improved flexibility
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Better digestion
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increased lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons
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massaging of internal organs
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improved balance and toning of the muscles
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normalization of blood pressure
Meditation techniques that are integral to yoga help improve concentration and sharpen memory, which can be due to a variety of factors such as better circulation and improved nervous system functioning.
Recommendations for elderly starting a yoga practice:
Like any new exercise program, start slow and with the supervision of a professional yoga teacher. Inquire into their experience teaching the elderly and discuss your personal physical situation so they can watch and assist you during the class.
Never push yourself, remain within your capabilities. Yoga is not about pushing yourself in a competitive nature, it is rather like opening as a lotus flower does, slowly, and one petal at a time.
Make sure to warm up before and cool down after you exercise, and drink lots of water. Stop or slow down if you feel you are reaching your limits and take a rest.
Stay with it. Anything that is worthwhile requires effort, and the benefits are many. Be gentle with yourself. Remember this and don’t focus on your progress, your age or your perceived inabilities. You have your own measures of improvement that are not the same as anyone else’s.
Make friendships that can be continued outside of the yoga class.