Yoga comes from the Indian word “yuj” which roughly translates into English as unity or union. It’s the harmonious blend between the physical and emotional aspects of life through a series of rejuvenating body postures. You might be happy to find out that yoga for seniors is also highly recommended and it can significantly improve health, mood and self esteem.
But how to incorporate this ancient practice into the lifestyle of your loved ones? And how to make them aware of the benefits provided by regular practice of yoga? Keep reading to find out inspiration.
Yoga Might Improve Sleep Quality
Yoga has the benefit of calming the mind and bringing peace to the practitioner. Practicing yoga several times a week can improve sleep quality because it minimizes thoughts and worries. At the same time, most yoga postures aim to bring flexibility to the spine. This important part of the body is linked to a lot of biological functions including sleep. By doing yoga regularly, your loved ones will eventually be able to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep throughout the night.
Yoga Helps Reduce Stress
Another benefit of practicing yoga is that it reduces stress levels. The main stress hormone, cortisol, is released by the adrenal glands situated on top of the kidneys. Too much cortisol can increase feelings of restlessness, anxiety and depression. Various simple yoga poses can minimize the release of stress hormones throughout the body. As a result, your loved ones will be able to sleep better, feel better and have more energy throughout the day. Regular yoga practice has been linked to reduced depression and anxiety feelings in numerous studies.
Yoga Might Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is something most people in their golden years struggle with. Fortunately, yoga seems to bring benefits in this department too. Practicing yoga for 25-30 minutes a day can lower blood pressure over time. This means that the heart doesn’t struggle so much to pump blood and the cardiovascular system becomes more flexible. Even a small improvement in the blood pressure readings of your loved ones is beneficial, so why not incorporate this practice into their lifestyle?
Yoga Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion
One of the biggest benefits of practicing yoga is that it gives you better flexibility and higher range of motion when it comes to muscles and ligaments. Your loved ones might already struggle with reduced mobility and flexibility in the hips and lower back. Practicing yoga regularly will bring more oxygen and nutrients to these vulnerable parts of the body and as a result, your family members will feel better and be less predisposed to accidents and injuries.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years in different parts of the world and it offers amazing benefits when it comes to physical and mental health. If you want to help your parents get in better shape and alleviate depression and anxiety feelings, contact one of our team members today. Our retirement community features a plethora of health and wellness programs designed to improve the wellbeing of your loved ones.
