Yoga for Older Adults: A Form of Emotional Self-Care That Lasts
Seniors in Independence, Iowa, might see yoga as a mystical wellness system that's not based in science. However, despite its esoteric presentation, studies have consistently shown that yoga can have significant health benefits, particularly for older adults.
For example, randomized trials demonstrated that a 12-week yoga program could significantly improve back pain function and provide better results than conventional medical care for seniors suffering from a wide variety of debilitating health problems and mobility issues.
Yoga for older adults is truly a viable, evidence-based option to increase wellness. It doesn't just help with physical aches and pains; it also aids in mental health. Anxiety, depression, and even burnout can be effectively treated with yoga exercise.
Does Yoga Count as Exercise?
So what exactly is yoga, and how does it offer such powerful emotional benefits when it's a physical exercise system? Yoga combines physical movement, focused breath, and quiet contemplation in a unique manner, which means it offers a huge variety of benefits.
According to the NIA, the physical side of yoga can also support emotional health in seniors because many lack confidence due to mobility problems. When seniors have mobility issues, they might not always feel confident about:
- Attending social events
- Visiting family
- Getting involved with community life
Feeling unsteady on their feet can cause a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. Something as simple as walking to the local church service might be nerve-wracking and suspenseful.
Yoga gives Iowa seniors the confidence that when they step out of their car or front door, they're going to make it safely to their destination without any embarrassing or painful mishaps along the way.
Of course, yoga can have a more direct impact on mental well-being too. According to a randomized controlled trial by Bonura and Tenenbaum, yoga practices are linked to significantly lower levels of depression and anxiety in older adults.
While seniors experiencing mild episodes should certainly have other tools in their self-care toolbox, such as counseling and medication, the evidence is clear that yoga can have a profound positive impact on a senior's emotional state.
But you don't have to be depressed, anxious, or stressed to appreciate the difference that yoga makes to your mindset. Health researchers like Kuei-Min Chen et al., have found that when seniors consistently practice yoga movements, they tend to experience:
- Better sleep
- Improved mood
- More emotional stability
Emotional Wellness Through Exercise: Movement and Mood
So why does yoga have this effect? According to Harvard Health, one reason is how the practice affects hormones. Relaxing yoga sessions reduce the amount of stress hormones in the body and encourage the body to produce feel-good chemicals. You'll feel both a physical and mental easing of tension.
The longer you practice yoga, the longer these beneficial effects will linger. After a while, the improved emotional outlook lasts throughout the week. Loved ones and caregivers will likely notice a difference in attitude and demeanor.
Yoga for Older Adults: Self-Care With Purpose and Stress Relief for Seniors
Another way that yoga supports mental health in seniors is by providing a clear routine. When seniors get together once or twice a week for a yoga class, it's not only an opportunity for personal wellness but also a social occasion. Retirees often spend their entire adult life following a predictable work schedule and can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the freedom of choice they have in retirement.
When you combine this totally open schedule with the natural reduction in executive functioning that comes with old age, many recently retired seniors find themselves paralyzed with indecision. This can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which causes both mental and physical health problems and, in the long term, severe mobility problems.
Attending a yoga meeting keeps things predictable and gives seniors something to plan for and look forward to throughout the week. The friendships made in these exercise groups often carry on outside of class, particularly in senior living communities where it's easy to run into each other in the halls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type Of Yoga Is Best For Older Adults?
The benefits of yoga are so clear that you'll be challenged to find a senior living community that doesn't offer some form of this wellness practice. Yoga doesn't describe any one particular activity but rather a collection of related wellness practices.
The popular image of yoga involves students standing before an instructor on yoga mats. For seniors with light to moderate mobility issues, standard yoga might be the best option. But for those with more challenging aches and pains, it might be better to start off doing chair yoga, which involves doing yoga movements from a seated position.
Is Yoga Safe For Older Adults With Mobility Issues?
In a good yoga class for seniors, the instructor will be well aware of the kinds of poses that will cause pain or difficulty for older adults. They'll generally suggest props and workarounds to help seniors achieve sound movement, but will also be quick to cancel any maneuvers that seem too dangerous.
If classes are unavailable or unaffordable, many older adults can achieve great results simply by following online videos at home.
When done correctly, yoga for older adults is perfectly safe. By following online mindful aging guides carefully, it's possible to select suitable movements for your current physical state.
Discover Yoga for Older Adults and More
Yoga for older adults is just a gentle way for many Independence, Iowa, residents to feel more stable and move more comfortably in their daily lives. These classes emphasize small, controlled stretches, relaxed breathing, and clear instructions that reduce stiffness and anxious thoughts rather than dramatic poses.
Eventually, this weekly routine turns into a simple daily activity that helps with comfort and connection.
Prairie Hills at Independence, our team manages the everyday tasks, from maintenance to housekeeping, so you can use your energy on friends, hobbies, and wellness. Let us show you our accessible residences, flexible dining options, and social programs designed to keep residents involved.
For those who have worn the uniform and served in our armed forces, we offer a significant discount on the rent as a gesture of gratitude.
Are you interested in learning more? Or perhaps you're keen on seeing how it all comes together? Call us today to schedule your visit.