Mindfulness and yoga based Movement to support Healthy Ageing – a spotlight during Seniors Week 2021
As we age, it is important to incorporate physical activity into our daily routines to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. With a regular exercise routine, our seniors can feel more energetic and supported in managing the aches and pains that come even with healthy ageing.
Yoga is one of the best forms of exercise for older adults. Over time and with the proper guided classes, seniors can improve their flexibility and balance, enhance their strength, and boost their mood and cognition. These benefits can lead to a more independent life, staying safer and feeling at your best.
Benefits of Yoga for Seniors or the ‘Young at Heart’
Now is always the perfect time to try something new and pick up some healthier habits you may not have had time to consider previously. If you have never tried yoga before, Yogazeit provides expertly guided in-person experiences, offering a range of positive benefits for mind and body:
Strengthened bones. Yoga for seniors can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis, which causes bones to become brittle or weak. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone can’t keep up with the decrease of bone mass and density that occurs with ageing.
Reduced stress. Yoga offers a relaxing way to let go of the tension you’re holding in your body, especially in your shoulders and upper back. It’s been known to help relieve some of the stresses that lead to hypertension, which in turn leads to not needing as many medications on a daily basis. Yoga also helps reduce anxiety, lowering your heart rate, blood pressure, and helping you breathe easier.
Improved sleeping habits. Because yoga for seniors can be so relaxing, many individuals report that they are sleeping longer and more soundly, which can often be an issue for older adults.
Enhanced balance, flexibility, mobility and strength. The slow, measured movements involved with Yoga poses can lead to better balance and movement, which can also help prevent falls associated with Parkinsons’ Disease and arthritis for example. As falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, yoga helps provide the tools you need to improve your mobility so you can get around more safely.
Lessen the risk for depression. Yoga is a mood-booster; the combination of movement, breathing and meditation can create an overall sense of well-being. Plus, because Yoga is done in a class setting with your peers, you’re getting the benefit of staying socially active, as well.
Alleviate aches and pains. Even if you have some physical limitations, Yoga can help ease the aches and pains associated with aging. Yoga can be especially beneficial to those suffering from osteoarthritis, teaching you how to breathe and relax through any chronic pain you may be dealing with.
Cognitive benefits. Research is showing that physical activity has positive effects on health and cognition among the elderly. Recent interest has arisen regarding yoga’s potential benefits for the brain in ways that are similar to aerobic exercise, which has also been shown to improve cognitive performance, attention and memory.
Support the Seniors in your life!
If you’re interested in organising some ‘Yoga Time’ for yourself or a senior loved one, Yogazeit offers a network of qualified Yoga Teachers specifically trained and passionate about supporting older adults at Aged Care or Residential Living with Mindfulness and Movement to everyBODY.
Our programs can include:
- A weekly tailor-made group or individual class, addressing common ageing ailments
- Preparation time prior to each class, to meet the goals and conditions of the participant(s)
- Travel to your location. Exercises provided for seniors to practice in between classes.
- Peace of mind that all our instructors are fully insured, Police Cleared and trained in First Aid.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]
[/et_pb_row]
[/et_pb_section]