Never too late

two years performed better than a control group on certain cognitive tasks.

A no ­ longer young beginner will probably be happier attending a gentle yoga class, although further options ­ depending on their physical limitations ­ include chair yoga, restorative yoga and Hatha, all of which focus on slow, controlled movements.

Not that yoga is a cure ­ all for ageing. People lose muscle, their tendons toughen as they get older and health professionals recommend practising other types of strength training at the same time as yoga.

Meanwhile, instructors and instructed both maintain that yoga is more than physical postures as it addresses the mind, the spirit and the emotions at any age.