Yoga for Seniors at Any Age or Level
A Relaxed Approach to Yoga With Older Adults and Others
Jul 17, 2009
Boomers and seniors can have fun while enjoying health benefits from regular practice of yoga. They have found that it can be of help both physically and mentally. Whether it is just the wear and tear of added years, or a cancer or other type of diagnosis, yoga can generate a general state of well-being for those seniors who practice it while listening to their body and doing only what works for their situation at the time.
One Group of Seniors in Weekly Yoga Practice
People begin to enter the somewhat darkened room. The soft music enhances the relaxed environment as they roll out their yoga mats. The instructor has additional blankets for use when extra padding is needed.
As the floor fills, participants move over to make space for others. Soon everyone is ready and the instructor shares a short inspirational reading. Although she seems barely audible, she is also quite clear. She reminds the class to listen to their bodies and only do what they can comfortably do. She clarifies the poses don't have to be exact to have benefit.
This particular class is free to cancer patients and their caregivers. It is sponsored by Memorial Hermann Hospital of The Woodlands, Texas. At the end of the sessions, each one present has folded hands and they are heard to say, "Namaste."
Benefits of Seniors Practicing Yoga
- Deep breathing and improved respiratory and cardiovascular efficiency.
- General fitness
- Stretching
- Focusing on the body (One might say folks live in their bodies, so it's wise to stay aware of one's own body.)
- A chance to relax and let go of life's stresses for a while
- Bonding with a group of like-minded individuals
- Improved posture and balance, thus prevention of injuries due to falls which older people are at risk for
- Increased endurance and flexibility
- Relaxation and meditation
- Detoxification of the body
- Reduced stress
What Seniors May Look For in a Yoga Class
The best group to practice with is one which welcomes individual accommodations as needed. An instructor who regularly emphasizes an individualized approach to the various poses is excellent for seniors. Such a person may present several approaches as valid toward a particular pose. This allows full participation and prevents stress or undue soreness.
Terry Albores, certified yoga teacher, has a class at Memorial Hermann Hospital at The Woodlands, Texas. She got into yoga at a particularly stressful time in her life, then found so much relief in it that she wanted to share the gift of yoga. So she studied further to become an instructor. She is also a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She states that a yoga class may include inspiration, a bit of humor, having some fun during the session, and leaving feeling good.
Yoga is a valid and valuable way to seniors to increase general fitness as well as feeling of well-being. Seniors may wish to look for a yoga instructor who is committed to individualizing the practice for their particular needs. There may be one in the neighborhood right down the street from the aerobics class; take a look.
Source:
Observation of class and interview with Terry Albores, Certified Yoga Teacher and member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, at Memorial Hermann Hospital at The Woodlands, Texas, on July 7 and 14, 2009.
 |
