Yoga is for everyone. No matter your age or mobility level, there is some sort of yoga that you can do. For this reason, I believe that yoga can be an essential part of our lives as we get into our older years.
As we age, our bodies begin to change and become more susceptible to certain conditions, but yoga can be an important way to maintain our physical health during this process.
As we benefit from the wisdom in getting older, practicing yoga as a supplement can benefit us in numerous other ways.
Yoga is also a wonderful way to maintain bone density and muscle mass, which is critical as our risk grows for conditions such as osteoporosis which can weaken our bones and muscles.
Not to mention, the benefits of balance and stability through the use of poses such as tree pose and warrior III can help us develop stability in the legs and core during a period of our lives when we’re using those muscles less frequently.
Getting older can be stressful. Our lives are changing so fast, and doubly so as we experience events that change how we live such as children moving out, retirement, and maybe even becoming a grandparent. All of these changes in such a short period of time can bring on new and unique stressors.
Yoga does an excellent job of reducing the stress and anxiety that comes with those stressors. Even the most simple of breathing exercises and meditation can leave you feeling calmer and more centered.
Not to mention, yoga classes are a great way to connect with others who are going through similar life experiences. As a certified yoga instructor, I’ve seen it in my classes firsthand, and the positive difference that it makes in everybody’s demeanor.