Yoga for Healthy Aging: Relax, Rejuvenate and Restore

Yoga is particularly good for seniors as they are gentle yet productive. They do show results and so naturally seniors can benefit from them in many different ways. So, if you are a senior, then you can look for yoga as your go-to in advanced age with us.

Consult Before Starting a Practice Session in Yoga

As a senior, you cannot just start with any random yoga session that you may see while scrolling through your mobile in your leisure time. It is mandatorily advised that you consult an expert who will guide you on the best yoga poses and styles that will suit your age, physical condition and stability. So, if you are eager to start with yoga, as a senior it is advisable that you first consult a physical therapist or occupational therapist. He will give you the best possible advice after taking into consideration your medical history, personal needs and limitations.

The Right Type of Yoga for the Elderly

Yoga has diverse styles and types. However, not every style or pose is meant for the elderly. It is best they follow one that will suit their age. They would do good if they followed Yin yoga, Hatha yoga, Restorative yoga and the new Chair yoga which are more suited for people with physical limitations, less fit, weak or considerably immobile.

Also read- Preps and Poses for  Seamless and Ready to Flow Yoga Session

Yoga Poses for the Seniors

Here is a list of some of the best yoga poses for the elderly so they can at least live a better quality of life.

Tadasana or Mountain Pose

It is one of those perfect poses for the elderly as it helps them to concentrate on their breath and become more aware of their bodies. That pose stands as a foundational pose for all standing poses. If you as a senior are a regular at it, you will see a marked difference in your posture and a reduced pain in your back.

Anjaneyasana or Low Lunge Pose

This pose also helps in transitioning from the standing poses to the sitting poses on the mat. It helps to stretch the muscles, open the hips and get rid of all the built-in tensions in the body. It is quite similar to the lunge pose, but it gives more added stability to the back of the knees that are grounded on the floor for more balance.

Marjaryasana-Bitilasana or Cat-Cow Pose

If you are one suffering from low back pain, stiffness or poor posture, then this is the pose for you. It helps to stretch and lengthen out your spine. It can also be modified for chair yoga that ensures the elderly with mobility impairment can get its numerous benefits without having to sit on the floor. By sitting on the chair, you can flex and extend the spine with the back vertical rather than the horizontal.

Uttanasana or Standing Forward Pose

Standing forward pose is just great yoga for seniors because it improves flexibility, balance and mobility. It even reduces back pain and is relatively easy to learn. It can be done throughout the day every time you get up and down from the sitting position.

Savasana or Corpse Pose

After the entire schedule is complete, a senior may feel all drained out and tired. So the best way to come to oneself is by completing with the corpse pose which is also very relaxing and calming. It helps to restore peace and calm to the mind and body.