Author: Zoe

Fear of falling is a big worry for many seniors and it can happen at any time. Moreover, this can result from a variety of things such as:- loss of flexibility, concentration, bad shoes, bumpy pavement, weak core, ear problems, troublesome big toes, injuries or poor balance. In fact our blog deals with the 7 benefits of Yoga for seniors.

Yoga may be particularly helpful since it involves practices that can boost all four of these fitness components.   In particular a recent study of seniors who attended Yoga classes, found the number of falls dropped 48% in the six months after Yoga classes began, compared to the previous six months.

Yoga improves our flexibility and balance in both body and mind. The mind feels joyful, balanced and peaceful and confidence arises as a result. In fact as we breathe and stretch our bodies, this movement massages the abdomen. Above all this in turn revitalises the internal organs. And as a result improving circulation, digestion, relieving stress and pain. 

Connecting the mind and body

Developing awareness of the connection between the mind and body is a result of practicing Yoga.  At the same time we can soon recognise any niggling sensations. These might be lying just under the surface of our consciousness. Often we can iron them out with the next Yoga practice. Have you noticed that Yogis rarely get sick?

Ayurveda states that disease comes in six stages. By practising Yoga we can sense any onset at level one. Perhaps a scratchy throat or some new ache or pain. In addition this gives us the opportunity to implement a natural cure. Which is often simply in the kitchen cupboard via our food, drink or taking a rest.

A Yoga Therapist modifies the practice to accommodate the strengths, weaknesses and any health condition of the student. For instance people with Parkinson’s condition can do yoga on a chair rather than the floor. In fact there are really more than 7 benefits of Yoga for seniors.

1.  Yoga increases flexibility and Strength: 

Yoga improves the range of motion and joint health. In addition this helps to prevent back pain, repetitive-use damage, and sports injuries. Likewise if you have tight hips, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, or anything else, Yoga is exactly what you need. Flexibility is not a prerequisite; It’s a result. Fear of flexibility, or a lack of flexibility, keeps many people needlessly away from Yoga. There are way more than 7 benefits of Yoga for Seniors but read on regardless.

2. Yoga reduces the risk of falling

A fall is a massive blow to a person’s confidence and can leave you in pain. Sitting for hours at a time is a health hazard and has a bad effect of flexibility. And often when people stand up, we can hear that familiar exertion groan. We are just not the same as the fearless children who bounce back up and run off again. As well as, we know what complications a fall down can bring. Our Yoga Works for Over 40s is particularly helpful to connect you with your body and mind. Our online classes are gently penetrating providing simple manageable asanas that heal.

3. Yoga improves eyesight

Many factors contribute to an increase in falls with age. Such as visual impairment, medication side effects, and reduced strength and balance.  In particular recent research suggests that you can reduce that fall risk. Some of the ways are through lifestyle strategies, such as keeping rooms free from clutter. Additionally implementing exercises designed to improve the four areas of fitness. These include  endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.  Yoga has exercises that focus specifically on the eyes and Ayurveda has simple treatments that are very effective.

3. Pain is relieved with a regular yoga practice

Chronic pain triggers changes in brain structure that are linked to depression,  anxiety, and impaired cognitive function. To illustrate new research shows that practicing Yoga has the opposite effect on the brain and can relieve chronic pain. Likewise Yoga can help people with many things such as :- arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, lower back pain, and many other types of chronic pain conditions.  A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that among 313 people with chronic low back pain, a weekly Yoga class increased mobility. This is more than standard medical care for the condition.

 4. Immune system improves with Yoga

Recent research also indicates that Yoga’s stress management tools lower stress hormones. As well as other pro-inflammatory molecules in our bodies. Additionally Yoga helps with chronic inflammation, which is a result of ageing. Namely, Yoga can help to foster healthy ageing when the immune system functions well, preventing illness. Improving your health provides energy and inspiration lead a full life. Are you convinced yet of the 7 benefits Yoga Seniors?

5. Increase confidence with Yoga

According to Health Line, one proven way to improve circulation is through Yoga. People at all levels may practice Yoga as one of the most accessible exercise types. Furthermore Yoga stretches coordinated with deep breathing, target abdominal organs. Likewise gentle twists massage and wring out stubborn intestinal toxins, and this sequence relieves a wide range of digestive discomfort. 

Though medicines can provide intermediate relief, Yoga therapy can focus on your digestive system for longer-term results. As well as there are several postures that help cleanse, stimulate, aid, and encourage good digestive function. Read about the Healing power of Yoga for brain injuries.

6. Wellbeing is improved with Yoga Ayurveda

In a traditional Yoga Ayurveda class you will experience the 8 limbs of Yoga. They work deeply on the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the body mind. This is why a Yoga practitioners radiate and are easy to spot. Ashtanga, the eight limbs of yoga, is Patanjali‘s classification of classical yoga, as set out in his Yoga Sutras.

Eight limbs of Yoga are:- yama (abstinences),  niyama (observances),  asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (absorption).

Patanjali Yoga Sutras

The eight limbs form a sequence from the outer to the inner. Postures, important in modern yoga, form one limb of Patanjali’s scheme; he states only that they must be steady and comfortable.

7. Creating community with Yoga

Everyday we are becoming more isolated. Even with the simple day interactions buying a train ticket or going to the bank we are encouraged to do this online. Also with life’s journey we grow and change. Learn how you can use Yoga Ayurveda to digital detox your life here.

Sometimes our new path is not inline with our old friends or family. Yoga is the perfect place to find a community of like minded people. Whether they know it or not people who attend a yoga class are in tune with the 1 & 2 of Patanjali’s 8 fold path. Namely the yama’s and niyama‘s and will share similar values.

The act of practising yoga together creates the ideal circumstances for a community to flourish. As a community we can see the hold technology has all around us. Technology addiction is particularly evident with the young. Increasing consumerism by inventing new upgrades. A billion dollars industry. Computers, smartphones, apps etc are designed to be addictive.

A regular Yoga class will encourage healthy ways

You will soon notice with a regular yoga practice the benefits go way, way beyond the mat. A community of like minded souls has a proven impact on survival or quality of life for people facing health issues such as:- cancer, stroke, dementia, depression, and diabetes. Being embedded in a community is biologically reassuring. Some experts theorise a community creates a protective effect. Likewise this actually boosts immunity and fights stress and inflammation.

Spending quality time with family, friends, and community—while also staying open to new relationships—is the secret to a happy, healthy life.

Yoga Journal

7 benefits Yoga Seniors is just a start

Please share our the 7 benefits of Yoga for seniors to those you love.

Zoe is a Yoga Ayurveda Therapist who weaves the wisdom of Ayurveda throughout her teaching. She lives a Yogi lifestyle with over 30 years of experience. Yoga held Zoe through many transitions in life. Ayurveda teaches us everyday simple tips, such as sesame oil or the colours you bring into your diet and life all have an effect on your health and wellbeing. She designs personalised e-book programs and offers private classes. Zoe loves to share her own personal experiences with ageing.

About Yoga Ayurveda Therapy

Practitioners of Yoga Therapy integrate Yoga concepts with Western medical and psychological knowledge. They combine body awareness and breathing activities with asana and meditation. This focused treatment for people helps with chronic conditions. Yoga therapy offers an alternative approach to conventional exercise. Likewise Yoga can be adapted to meet the needs of people with physical limitations. 

We hope you enjoyed our blog on 7 benefits Yoga Seniors please share it with your friends.

View our e-book programs here “Yoga Ayurveda Therapy for ageing – arthritis and bursitis” here.

The books are available for download on iTunes and Amazon and include video demonstrations, instructions, written benefits and testimonials.

Other e-books include:-

“Yoga Therapy for Sports Injuries“,

“Yoga Therapy for Women’s Health”

and “Yoga Ayurveda Therapy for Parkinson’s condition“