Yoga is considered as an anti-aging tool, capable of relieving symptoms and improving medical outcomes. As we age, we encounter various changes in ourselves like physiological changes, stability, speed, etc. Studies have proved that yoga can be very effective when it comes to combat, stress, fatigue, and pain. Yoga helps in maintaining muscle softness, flexibility, keeping the mind alert and aware, encouraging relaxation, and reduces the effects of most age-related issues. That is why we want to write about the benefits of Yoga for Seniors.
As per the Yogis who have accreted a yoga degree or yoga alliance certification, there are ten major health benefits that Yoga can have:
- Osteoporosis – Weight-bearing exercises marginally increases bone density although the gain is small. Yoga is valuable because of its effect on the physical skeleton, and it helps in building muscles awareness, and better balance. Weight-bearing lunge poses like warrior 2, and the side angle pose helps build hip and leg power. These postures also protect us against falls that result in fractures in the brittle bones
- Arthritis – Research has proved that regular yoga practice can result in a reduction in joint pain and improved joint flexibility. Yoga also helps in reducing inflammation and pain.
- Spinal Stenosis – The yoga practice that involves cautious folds, side bending and avoid extension can significantly help in reducing pain. Safe yoga can help to build strength and create better postural habits.
- Disc Issues – Yoga helps in improving potency and building flexibility in the spine area and this way it helps in remedying back pain for a longer duration
- Core Solidity and Back Pain – Yoga offers specific poses for stability and reducing back pain but a regular yoga practice that includes any exercise will help build a stronger core. That is because our bodies move in new ways and that stabilizes the muscles. The logic is anyone who suffers from back pain should do exercises that focus on building muscles in the trunk area, abdomen, hips, legs, and back.
- Nerve Issues – Yoga poses improve circulation that helps in better body awareness. The more we are aware of what helps with the pain, the better choices we make for our body movements. Yoga allows us to explore our body in slow and safe movements.
- Ligament Tears – Yoga helps in ligament tears in many ways. It strengthens the muscles around the joints; many yoga lunge poses help keep the legs stronger. Yoga helps us because it allows moving amidst the injury.
- Tendonitis – Tendon inflammation can cause joint pain and stiffness. As the tendons age, they cause a condition called Tendinopathy. Practising yoga offers a chance to continue the movement and new and different ways thus shoring up muscles around the tendons and giving the inflamed area a chance to heal.
- Insomnia and Sleep Issues – Slow breathing can foster a sense of relaxation and calm. A slow yoga and stretch routine before bed encourages drowsiness and helps and faster and longer deep sleep.
- Chronic Illness – Yoga is considered a medical tool for those diagnosed with terminal illness. It is an effective pain management technique for painful diseases like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis
Yoga refreshes your mind and spirit, tones your body, keeps your internal organs and hormonal system in balance. All the more reason for people of all ages to do yoga. In fact, yoga asanas are one of the few physical exercises you can continue doing as you age
Where to get started?
To start with Yoga, there are several great Yoga retreats in Gokarna, India. At the 300hr yoga teacher training program, you get to learn the concepts and the practical aspect of Yoga that can help every student in a holistic way.