26/09/2022
"Age doesn't matter. Longevity does."
This couldn't be more true. I'm sure you've all heard the saying: "age is just a number", and when it comes to yoga and wellness, this is most definitely the case. Longevity of the mind, body and soul stems from regaining control and making healthier choices.
And this all begins with your yoga journey.
So, what are the benefits of yoga for older adults? Firstly, yoga poses (asanas) can be easily modified to suit all ages and abilities. Aches and pains are unfortunately part and parcel of ageing, and not only can yoga practice alleviate some of these symptoms, it can also be carried out in a manner which is as safe and painless as possible - only pushing your body to the extremes it can handle. Likewise, yoga naturally involves stretching out your muscles - which can work wonders for your range of motion! And the proof is in the pudding: recent studies have shown that regular yoga practice dramatically increases the flexibility of older adults.
There are also numerous yoga exercises that will improve your balance; as you get older, there's always the worry of becoming less steady on your feet, but yoga will put your mind at ease, even as the months and years fly by. Concerns about brittle bones and breathing ability can also be eased by regular yoga - with research suggesting that yoga can improve bone density in postmenopausal women, while also expanding lung capacity. See - those deep breaths can do far more than just keeping you mindful!
But state of mind is, of course, an equally important factor. Every day stresses don't simply go away when you reach retirement, and the incredibly positive impact of yoga on your mental wellbeing is important for any age group. Yoga alleviates stress, anxiety and depression, while also helping you to maintain a healthy sleep pattern, and find that all-important peace of mind.
