Yoga has been around for thousands of years, dating back to around 2700 B.C. Yoga is a great way to incorporate movement into your life with gentle stretches and positions.
Some people might believe that yoga is only beneficial for young people that can bend themselves into impossible contortions. However, there are many low-impact yoga stretches for seniors that can help them improve their balance and stay active. These positions can be easily modified to accommodate a variety of physical limitations.
This guide will discuss the benefits of yoga for seniors. Yoga is a great way for seniors to keep their bodies moving while interacting with others.
Decreased Stress
Yoga allows you to let go of any tension you’re holding in your body, especially in your upper back and shoulder areas. The practice can also reduce some of the stress symptoms that might cause hypertension. Senior yoga can also:
- Lower the heart rate
- Reduce anxiety
- Decrease the blood pressure
- Improve breathing
There are a couple of poses that work well for decreasing stress while focusing on the breath. These stretches are:
- Cat-cow pose
- Child’s pose
The two different poses stretch various areas of the body while relaxing the mind and body.
Increased Strength, Mobility, and Balance
Many yoga stretches move very slowly. Seniors can improve their balance and mobility while performing yoga. The improved balance will prevent falls in seniors. They’ll learn the tools to improve their mobility so they can safely move around their homes.
Tree and mountain poses are effective movements to help seniors increase their strength. There are different ways to modify the pose to make it more accessible for seniors. This includes holding onto a chair or touching a wall for support.
Better Sleep
Yoga stretches can be very relaxing. Many of our residents struggle with restless nights and insomnia.
Yoga for seniors can help improve their quality of sleep and ensure they fall asleep quickly. The breathing techniques you learn throughout yoga enable your body to better relax. This can contribute to better sleep patterns.
Relief From Chronic Pain Symptoms
A person’s joints and muscles become stiffer as they age. They start to wear down after years of use. Several yoga poses and stretches can provide relief from chronic pains and aches.
Yoga is also a great exercise choice for those who have physical limitations. You can learn how to relax and breathe through chronic pain symptoms.
Strengthening of the Bones
Many seniors suffer from osteoporosis. This health condition causes the bones to get weak or brittle.
If done regularly, yoga can help increase bone density. It will also improve your flexibility and balance. The improved balance will prevent failures and subsequent fractures that might occur.
Learn More About Yoga Stretches for Seniors
Yoga stretches for seniors are a wonderful way for our residents to incorporate easy movement into their daily lives. They can experience physical and mental benefits as they improve their confidence.
Yoga is one of the many activities we have for our residents at our Twin Cities locations. Contact Sholom to learn more about our vibrant senior living community.
