The Top 10 Benefits of Yoga for Older Adults

As you age, you know that incorporating physical activity into your daily routines will help you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Exercise has been proven to provide active seniors with more energy, independence and improved moods.

Yoga specifically has become one of the best forms of exercise for older adults, as it can help improve balance, flexibility, strength and relaxation. Since it’s a low-impact exercise, it’s also a great way to baby step into fitness in a way that won’t put too much strain on the body or lead to injuries. Ready to focus on your fitness? Learn more about the unique benefits of yoga for senior health.

10 Reasons Yoga for Seniors Is a Great Idea

If your goal is to live a healthier lifestyle, any type of exercise is essential to incorporate into your routine. However, some exercises can be hard on the body and make it difficult for older adults to stick with them. If you’ve never tried yoga, now is the time. Get motivated by learning the benefits of yoga for older adults.

1. 1. Strengthen Bones As you age, bone density can begin to diminish. Exercise, especially yoga, can help prevent the onset of osteoporosis and keep the body strong.
2. 2. Reduce Stress and Tension Exercise works well as a stress reliever. Yoga focuses on breathing and stretching as a way to release tension in the body and clear the mind.
3. 3. Improve Sleeping Habits Because yoga is so relaxing for older adults, it can help clear the mind in a way that improves sleep and relaxation.
4. 4. Enhance Mobility Older adults are at an increased risk of falls. Yoga helps improve balance, flexibility, and strength in a way that helps seniors stay active, mobile and independent.
5. 5. Fight Depression Seniors, especially those who live alone, are susceptible to loneliness and depression. Whether practiced alone or in a group, yoga is a mood booster, but being in a group setting adds the benefit of staying socially active.
6. 6. Alleviate Aches and Pains Yoga can be changed to meet you where you are in your fitness journey. Chair yoga is a great way to help reduce aches and pains while also listening to your body.
7. 7. Regulate Weight Yoga enhances concentration and determination. It can work as a great jumping-off point for better habits and an all-around healthier lifestyle.
8. 8. Sharpen Your Mind As you age, it becomes more important to exercise your brain just as much as your body. Yoga and breathing exercises can help enhance brain function and focus.
9. 9. Reduce Hypertension The postures, breathing and meditation used in yoga can all help decrease nervous system activity, which has been shown to manage blood pressure levels.

1. 10. Maintain Independence All seniors want to maintain independence for as long as possible. Staying active is the best way to stay healthy for as long as possible.

Aside from the obvious benefits of yoga for older adults, it’s also a great way for seniors to add purpose to their days. Having a routine is important, even in retirement, and making yoga a part of that routine is beneficial for the mind, body and soul.

Focus on Your Fitness Goals with Help from Fellowship Senior Living

Fellowship Senior Living provides residents with several opportunities to enhance their quality of life with the many fitness classes they offer, including yoga. Make an appointment to explore and learn more about how our programs and services can help you achieve your overall wellness goals.