5 Ways Yoga Supports Healthy Aging

The old adage “if you don’t use it, you lose it” certainly rings true when it comes to health and wellbeing. As we age, not only do we experience muscle loss, joint pain, and memory problems, but it becomes increasingly difficult to change or start new health and fitness regimens the older that we get. 

“Practicing yoga can reduce the risk of accidents while also boosting body and brain health.”

The best way to determine good health in your older years is to start early and maintain it throughout your life. One great way to support healthy aging is through the practice of yoga. Yoga provides numerous benefits for people of all ages, but it's particularly valuable for older adults who are more susceptible to falls and injuries, and even cognitive issues. Practicing yoga can reduce the risk of accidents while also boosting body and brain health. 

If practicing traditional yoga is to difficult for you True Naked Yoga offers a selection of chair yoga programs for limited mobility. Chair yoga is ideal for those with limited mobility or balance problems. It can be performed while sitting or standing, using a chair for support, making it safer and more accessible than traditional yoga. It enhances flexibility, balance, and strength, and also lowers stress levels and promotes relaxation. Chair yoga is low-impact, gentle on joints and muscles, and a great way for seniors to remain active while minimizing the risk of injury.

Here are five ways yoga can support healthy aging:

1. Improves Flexibility and Mobility

Aging joints and muscles can become stiff, which can limit range of motion and increase the risk of injury, such as falls and broken bones. Many yoga poses involve stretching and lengthening, allowing the muscles and tendons surrounding joints to remain flexible and strong. Additionally, regular yoga practice can help to reduce stiffness by helping joints to be in proper alignment while also increasing blood flow and lubrication to them, making it easier to move around and perform daily activities.

2. Boosts Balance and Coordination

Maintaining good balance and coordination is crucial for preventing falls and injuries in older adults. Yoga can help to decrease this risk by challenging the body with a variety of poses that require focus and concentration. Many yoga poses also engage the core muscles, which are important for maintaining balance and stability.

3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can take a toll on our mental and physical health, especially for older adults as they are less likely to have other outlets like work or school to focus their energy on. Yoga offers a natural and accessible way to reduce stress and anxiety, thanks to its focus on deep breathing and mindfulness. Yoga breathing exercises, or pranayama, can help to slow down the heart rate and calm the mind, which can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Plus, regular practice can provide a fun hobby to yogis at any age. 

4. Promotes Heart Health

The risk of developing heart disease increases exponentially as we age. Yoga can help to support heart health by improving circulation and lowering blood pressure, and some styles of yoga even provide excellent cardiovascular exercise. Additionally, many yoga poses, such as inversions and backbends, can increase blood flow to the heart, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and blood clots.

5. Supports Brain Health

As we age, our brain function can decline, leading to memory loss and cognitive impairment. Yoga can help to support brain health by promoting mindfulness, which has been shown to increase memory capacity when practiced consistently. Stress and anxiety can also negatively affect memory, so yoga can indirectly improve memory by helping individuals to effectively manage those negative feelings and emotions. 

So what are you waiting for? Start your yoga journey today by joining our community. No matter where you are on your yoga journey, we have something for everyone.