Considering all the health benefits, it’s not surprising that yoga has been around for 5,000 years. You may think that yoga poses require you to stand, but there are chair yoga and yoga postures for lying down as well. Yoga for seniors is growing in popularity because it is an ideal, low-impact exercise for all fitness levels.

Studies show that sedentary lifestyles pose a greater risk of health problems. With people living longer and demanding a higher standard of health, yoga can add quality to those golden years. 

If you are an older adult and curious about yoga benefits, then read on for three reasons yoga for seniors is worth a try.

Yoga for Seniors: 3 reasons to start today

Improves Balance

In the normal aging process, adults may experience slower reflexes and loss of muscle tone that can create poor balance. Another common problem for seniors is osteoporosis, which means your bones are not as solid as they once were. Poor balance and brittle bones are the perfect combination that may cause falls and fractures.

According to the CDC, one out of every five falls that occur to older adults - aged 65 years and older - result in a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury. 

Yoga supports balance by improving muscle tone, coordination and flexibility. In addition to calcium and vitamin D intake, yoga for seniors is a low-impact exercise that can also improve bone density.

Improves Mood

As adults age, they experience normal stress and anxiety from aging. Some worries for adults in their advanced years are 

• Will I be able to stay at home?

• What happens when my spouse dies? 

• Will I be able to afford nursing care? 

Yoga for seniors can teach breath techniques that help regulate blood pressure and relieve anxiety, while physical exercise helps improve mood. 

Improves Sleep

Older adults still need the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep their younger counterparts need, and bedtime yoga can help. 

Yoga for better sleep focuses on breathing exercises to relax you, while gentle yoga stretching reduces stiffness from aching joints. Plus the physical activity helps reduce pain by releasing natural painkillers called endorphins. Harvard Health reports that over 55% of adults who practiced yoga found an improvement in their sleep. 

Yoga for Seniors: Tips to Get You Started

When starting any new exercise program, ensure that your doctor tells you that you are in good health to participate.

Start slowly to reduce your risk for injury. If you question your ability, then take it easy on yourself and start with chair yoga. You may feel young at heart, but safety is a priority with advanced age.

• Change your position slowly

• If it hurts, then stop

• For additional support, join a UJCES wellness class 

As the demand for in-home care grows, yoga for seniors can help you stay at home longer by promoting an active lifestyle for many years.