Yoga For The Elderly

Many of our elderly have been told that they should not be exerting themselves in a physical manner and that they should just sit back and enjoy their golden years. Many think they should just watch television and not really live their lives as active participants. The opposite is actually the truth to this feeling. Yoga is one of the best ways for the elderly to feel younger and to have a more productive lifestyle for themselves. Aging does not mean you wither up and eventually die, the elderly can be just as productive as those of lesser years.

Understanding Yoga

More Agility - Because yoga works on all areas of the body, it will allow practitioners to have more agility in their everyday activities without fear of injury due to a lack of agility.

More Fluidity - Because yoga works out not only the muscles, but also the tendons and ligaments required to move our joints, fluids are released to keep these areas more flexible and fluid so that injuries happen in a less frequent manner. For those who are just starting to practice yoga, the effects will be noticed nearly at once. The feeling of fluidity and motion will create a fluidity that exercise alone will not offer.

Getting Started

There are many versions of yoga. It would not be wise for a senior to start off with the more demanding forms of yoga right off the bat. It may be more beneficial to start with the breathing exercises and the relaxation techniques first. Then if one chooses, a gradual increase to more physical positions can be made. This poses need to be done in a careful manner until the body is more comfortable with them. This will slowly allow the body to regain it’s vitality without causing injury to the participant.

Why is Yoga Important for the Elderly

There are many ways to practice yoga and it has been practiced for hundreds of years. If seniors begin to practice yoga, they may find a youth and vitality of mind and body that has not been experienced for years. There is no limit to who can start to practice yoga, it is not dictated by sex or age but is available for all.

Before taking on any exercise regime, it is best to consult the primary doctor and allow them to give a checkup first. They can then refer the senior to a yoga instructor who will be able to teach with experience of this type.

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