Bap E Blog

Yoga is a practice with an ancient history that can be practiced by people of all ages. It means that seniors, aged above 60 years, can also reap the benefits of yoga. Yoga is a form of exercise that entails a combination of body movements and postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. We practice yoga to improve our physical and mental health and create a healthy balance in our life.

As we age, our body stiffens, and we lose mobility. Age-related illnesses start to kick in, and we find ourselves in a position where we are not able to do the basic tasks that we used to do. Our day-to-day lives become a challenge, and this coupled with the fact that we do not have any physically-engaging task can lead to our health further deteriorating. However, as seniors, there is a solution. We can practice yoga, which will ensure that our bodies are actively engaged in physical exercise, our mental health is okay and also ensure that our bodies are flexible and we are regularly building strength through low-impact moves. The fact that we lose half a pound of muscle each year because we are not actively exercising should be a wakeup call to all seniors to start the practice of yoga.

Yoga is a great option, considering that it does not require specialized equipment to start. It can also be tailored to meet the personal needs of an individual. A good example is, if a person has back problems, some asanas can be modified to ensure that the practitioner does not strain while doing yoga. For flexible seniors, complex asana can be practiced under the watchful eyes of a tutor. This individually centered aspect of yoga makes it very efficient for seniors who would like to begin practicing yoga.

Besides the obvious physical benefits of yoga, there are other benefits associated with yoga for seniors that, if practiced right, can lead to an improved quality life. Some of these benefits are:

• Improved balance and stability
• Improved memory
• Reduction in the swelling of joints
• Improved digestion
• Burns extra calories and reduces cholesterol in the body
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved blood flow
• Aids in depression and stress prevention/recovery

In conclusion, to start yoga as a senior, we should ensure that we do not hurt ourselves in the process. We should also ensure that we have a qualified yoga practitioner to act as our tutor. It ensures that we do not take risky poses that may cause everlasting effects on our health. Besides that, we should also remember to take balanced diet. It is an essential aspect of any exercise discipline. It ensures that our bodies have enough energy.