9 Benefits of Yoga for Older Adults

Jul 10, 2020 · 3

For many older adults, it can be very challenging to stay active and healthy. Health issues can lead to an inability to remain physically stable, which can, in turn, lead to a decline in activity and the ability to maintain a social life. It's essential to try different methods and activity styles to keep the mind sharp and prevent ailments.

Still, many older adults worry about starting a new routine or workout. They may be concerned about the probability of injury or any damage, especially when it comes to a particular exercise or training. Especially if your impression of yoga is those crazy poses you might have seen on television or the internet!

Despite those intimidating images, yoga is an excellent method for seniors to be active and social while taking care of their muscles, bones, and minds. It's appropriate for most ages and can help guide mindfulness, a beneficial tool in battling nervousness or stress. The key is to begin gradually and go at a steady pace to keep up your energy level and endurance. Read on to learn more about some of the benefits of practicing yoga!

Reasons for Older Adults to Try Yoga!

Yoga is Good for Joints

Yoga encourages safe and repetitive movements, thus improving the range of motion. Because it is low-impact, it is easy on the joints and can provide many benefits to help keep you healthy and happy. Yoga has even been shown to offer relief from arthritis for some people.
Yoga Promotes Heart Health

Among other benefits, yoga can improve your heart rate and circulation. It may also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and help those who have experienced a heart attack or cardiac bust!

Click here to learn more about protecting your heart health!
Yoga Strengthens the Mind

Yoga can help to enhance your memory power. A recent study discovered that yoga and meditation help reduce cognitive or emotional problems that could lead to Alzheimer's and distinct kinds of dementia.
Yoga Lowers Anxiety

Practicing yoga contributes to an improved sense of overall well-being. It is connected with increased levels of GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid). This neurotransmitter raises moods and can have a calming impact on the body's nervous system.

Click here to learn more about managing and reducing anxiety!
Yoga Can Enhance Your Social Life

A healthy social life is essential to well-being. Participating in a yoga session may help you to have significant social interactions that could ultimately bloom into friendships and relationships.
Yoga Improves Sleep

Many people find that they enjoy a better night's sleep when they practice yoga, especially if stress or anxiety contributes to their insomnia. Including some remarkable simple stretches or breathing exercises into your bedtime cycle can help you be more present at that moment as well. Doing this can help drown out an unfavorable moment from the day, focus on something positive, or better connect with yourself and your body.
Yoga Increases Your Flexibility

Yoga is perfect for increasing flexibility, which will help you stay active and fit without feeling sore or as if you've been hit by a truck the next day. It can further increase your strength to perform other activities such as sitting, gardening, or cleaning.
Yoga Can Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes affects millions of Americans, and senior citizens are particularly affected by Type 2 Diabetes. Particular yoga poses will help to assist the pancreas, the organ responsible for creating insulin in the human body. Consider taking a yoga session with a qualified tutor to learn these poses and determine how to control your diabetes with regular training and exercises.
Yoga Can Lessen the Risk of Falling

Yoga strengthens core muscles and improves full-body balance, which are significant factors in preventing a fall.

Learn more with these posts:

- 9 Safety Tips to Prevent Falls
- 10 Simple Exercises to Improve Balance (and Prevent Falls)

The many benefits of yoga are evident after just a short time. The great thing about this workout is that it can be done virtually anywhere and doesn't require any fancy equipment. A good yoga mat to help improve durability is all you need to begin. Of course, as with any workout, you should check with your doctor, especially if you have chronic health conditions or haven't exercised in a while. Remember to go slow in the beginning as your body gets used to the new activity. With a good plan and the motivation to regularly perform the routine, you can safely improve your physique and mind.