Yoga! It’s for Everyone!

“I’m too old!”

“Yoga is for the young; I could never do that!”

“My body couldn’t possibly stretch that way!”

“Yoga is just stretching; it can’t help me!”

These are some of the reasons I have heard of why seniors cannot practice yoga. They are reasons that appear to be succinct, clear, and logical. But, they are also completely false! The fact is that anyone can practice yoga at any age or body type- including seniors. Just like any physical activity, it is all about adjusting the activity to meet your body type and comfort level. The popularity of yoga has been on the rise for the last ten years.^[1] At one point, more than 1.5 million Canadians were practicing yoga. The health benefits of yoga have been well-documented, including for seniors. Here are a few ways that seniors can benefit from yoga:

Getting Active

One of the most important things for seniors is getting active and moving around. It creates a healthy body and mind. Yoga is a great low-impact sport that allows seniors to get active at their own comfort level.

Strength, Balance, and Flexibility

Studies have demonstrated that Yoga improves strength, balance, and flexibility.^[2]It helps seniors strengthen the body which can decrease the chance of injuries from falls and other activities. Overall better physicality can only improve your loved one’s well-being.

Reduces Anxiety and Stress

Yoga is not all about the body; it also works on relaxing the mind and bringing inner peace. The rhythmic breathing and mindfulness helps the mind unwind and let go of stress and anxiety. We carry stress in our shoulders and back which will reduce pain.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Yoga reduces oxidative stress. Cutting down on oxidative stress can lower blood pressure and bring down the risk of heart attacks.^[3]

These are only a few of the benefits of Yoga. However, before undertaking any physical activity, you want to take some precautions.

Consult Your Physician

Before you undertake any new physical activity, always consult your doctor. Tell them what you are planning and ask for any recommendations. They know your body and are aware of what you are physically able to do.

Find Your Comfort Zone

Everyone is different. To get the most out of Yoga, it has to feel right. Make sure you are comfortable with the time, class, and teacher. If it doesn’t feel right, change it. To be right in the body, you need to be right in the mind.

Let Your Body Guide You

Don’t overdo it; don’t show off. Though it is low impact, Yoga can cause injury if you are not being careful. Listen to your body; if it hurts, stop. There is nothing wrong with pushing your limits, but don’t injure yourself.

Think that your elderly loved one could benefit from Yoga? Give us a call and we can talk about it. At iCare Home Health, we have cornered the field in offering premium home health care for the elderly in Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington, and Milton. We offer a wide array of home health care packages where we will send a compassionate and professional healthcare worker directly to the home of your loved one. Contact us today and find out more about how we can help you.