Yoga for seniors
Yoga for seniors is a healthy alternative in comparison to the medicine and technology today. Yoga for seniors has been given an ‘OK’ by physicians and fitness specialists throughout the world.
Old age according to some seniors may be considered a curse. This is common especially if your body is trying to cope with the different changes and ailments that come with age. According to others old age is a boon.
I personally think that old age is a blessing. This is because; you can set an example to the generations that follow, about leading a healthy independent hassle free life. It’s the golden phase of life where you get to play the teacher to everyone around you. It is a golden phase of life.
Imagine the flexibility you can achieve with yoga at an age where people look for help and support. You don’t have to jump into the deep end of the pool, straight away. Start simple, start healthy and you can aim for the best. No medication, no health problems or body disorders and a stress free healthy lifestyle.
Who doesn’t want it?
I’d personally do anything to get there.
My remedy – ‘YOGA’ and make it yours to pass through the golden phase of life with ease and hassle free.
Yoga poses for seniors
First of all before practicing yoga, seek advice from your doctor. You can start with breathing exercises which can be practiced by just sitting on a chair.
Start with the simple asanas first, until you gain the flexibility to perform the intermediate and advanced poses. This is to avoid any injury or muscle strains.
Some of the poses which are great for seniors are:
- Pranayama
- Kapalabhati
- Corpse pose
- Cat pose
- Dog pose
- Double leg raising poses
- Locust pose
- Wind relieving pose
- Half spinal twist
- Child pose
- Table pose
These are some of the poses you can start off as a senior. You can practice them on a regular basis until you attain the flexibility, strength and stamina to perform the other asanas with ease.
With age, there may be many common ailments that can come along the way. The ones like diabetes, arthritis, heart problems are the most common of all. The others are neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, dementia etc. The common ailments can cause dizziness, lack of strength due to weak muscles, improper diet due to lack of appetite etc. To ensure that we are following the right procedures, I would advise you to eat healthy at regular intervals and start slow.
Another great form of yoga for seniors is the laughter yoga. It is nothing but laughing while practicing pranayama. This yoga is known to reduce levels of stress and better the mood. It is beneficial for seniors suffering from neurological disorders.
When practicing yoga, it is important to relax, revitalize and restore your outer and inner self. A calm mind is always great for your health.
What yoga does to your aging body?
- Strength
- Stamina
- Relief from stress
- Calm mind
- Improved blood flow
- Cleanses the internal organs like the abdomen, intestines, kidneys etc.
- Eases body pains due to stretching
- Flexibility that usually disappears with age
- A healthy, happy and independent lifestyle
Who wouldn’t want these for an aging body?
They are the added benefits that yoga adds to your life. Avoid those regular visits to the doctor, extensive medication to keep your life moving each day, being dependent on your children etc by practicing yoga on a regular basis.
Research proves that it has worked for many and I am sure it will work for you too. Just seek advice from your physician and start straight away.
