While it’s true that exercise of any kind is good for people regardless of their age, certain limitations may prevent the elderly from regular physical activity. Weakening muscles, joint pain or difficulties walking inhibit many seniors from participating in common forms of exercise, such as walking, spinning or lifting weights.
For elderly adults, there are three key elements of a good workout: low impact cardio, resistance training and stretching. Yoga has the potential to cover all three of these components, making it a great option for seniors who want to engage in physical activity. In a recent blog post, AgingCare dives into the proven benefits of yoga, including:
- Improves sleep quality
- Helps control blood sugar in people with diabetes
- Enhances respiratory function
- Helps alleviate arthritis pain
- Improves balance
While yoga is a great form of exercise, it also can help seniors feel more confident in their mobility and body awareness. It can also be a great bonding opportunity for seniors and caregivers who might want to participate in a class together. Yoga classes run in many different styles and difficulties, so you can find the class that works best for you.
