Keeping your body flexible, mobile and in good shape is important at any age. While it is beneficial for seniors to take part in cardiovascular exercise, like walking, flexibility training is equally important.
Yoga is considered to be a tremendous tool for combating the concerns of an aging society. Yoga can assist elderly adults to exercise and move without putting undo pressure or strain on the body. Movement helps to lubricate joints and keep them flexible while increasing blood circulation. These exercises can help to decrease the number of falls. There are simple and safe yoga poses that can help to improve the quality of life for older adults. Regular yoga practice is attainable at any age and there are levels, from beginner to advanced, for everyone to enjoy. Individuals who have difficulty getting up and down to the floor can even practice chair poses.
Five benefits of yoga for older adults:
Find out what's happening in Ladue-Frontenacfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Increased flexibility: Increased flexibility from regular yoga sessions can improve core strength and balance to help reduce falls.
- Movement without strain Yoga can be an excellent low-impact exercise that’s easy on the body.
- Decreases chronic pain: Yoga practice has been shown to aid those suffering with chronic pain. A study by the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (Gaur, 2001) found that patients experiencing chronic pain either improved or maintained their symptoms after only four weeks of practicing Yoga.
- Promotes bone health: A gentle yoga practice is not only safe for those with osteoporosis, but it can also be effective in preventing and slowing bone density loss.
- Sharp mind and happy mood: Taking quiet time for yourself through a weekly or daily yoga practice can help relieve stress, and keep you centered and energized. Regular yoga participants have expressed that their moods and anxiety levels were improved as a result of regular yoga practice.
MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing care, provides care services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call us at 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.