Enjoy the benefits that yoga can bring to your mental and physical health.
Yoga is one of the most popular kinds of exercise for seniors, from gentle yoga exercises to more intense cardio yoga workouts.
Are you considering jumping on the trend and adding yoga to your exercise routine? Let’s explore some of the health benefits of yoga for seniors!
- Stronger bones
- Improved flexibility
- Better balance
- More restful sleep
- Lower blood pressure
- Mental health boost
Let’s explore these six health benefits of yoga and why older adults can benefit from practicing a few moves. As with any new exercise regimen, be sure to check with your doctor to see if yoga is right for you.
Stronger bones
Since osteoporosis is a concern for older adults, it’s wise to maintain habits that strengthen your bones. Research shows that even just 12 minutes of yoga a day can improve bone density and even reverse bone loss! As you do yoga, it imposes pressure on your bones and muscles that helps make them stronger.
Improved flexibility
Joint stiffness is one of the most common physical changes as we grow older. Adding yoga to your day can help stop those aches and pains in their tracks! Particularly for those with arthritis, yoga is a powerful way to reduce joint pain and improve flexibility. Our bodies rely on flexibility for so many daily actions like standing, bending, and reaching for things, so this is key to maintaining mobility as we get older.
Better balance
Falls can be serious for older adults, due in part to the increased risk of fractures. Yoga not only helps make your bones stronger (and thereby more fracture-resistant), but it also makes you less likely to take that stumble in the first place. So many yoga moves are all about balancing and holding a pose. Check out these exercises to improve balance.
More restful sleep
There are few things more frustrating than lying in bed tossing and turning at night. Consistent, healthy sleep has many health benefits like an improved immune system, a healthier heart, and more. That’s why it’s excellent news that yoga improves sleep in over 55% of people who practice it! Choose restful exercises to add to your nightly routine. Check out these tips for better sleep too!
Lower blood pressure
Has your doctor ever given you advice to lower your blood pressure? Yoga is one of the most enjoyable ways to go about it! If your blood pressure is high because of stressful things going on in your life, yoga is a proven way to manage stress. If you’re struggling with hypertension for other reasons, yoga is still shown to be an effective intervention for reducing blood pressure.
Mental health boost
Yoga isn’t just about the physical stretching of the body. It’s also a meditative practice that encourages us to center our minds, calm down, and reflect. As a result, it’s no wonder that yoga practitioners experience reduced rates of anxiety and depression. Here are some other ways to fight off the blues, especially during winter when you might be having a case of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Want more helpful health and wellness information for seniors? Keep an eye on our blog here!
