Author: Mike Longsdon

When someone mentions yoga, extreme poses showcasing someone’s flexibility may immediately come to mind. In reality, however, there are a variety of yoga styles that make it easy for anyone of any age to get started. There are definitely no age restrictions on meditation, so let’s look at why seniors should get involved in both practices. 

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Why They’re Worth It

According to MindValley, seniors who do yoga can enjoy an increase in their range of motion as well as flexibility. When practiced consistently, you may even get some relief from the stress of your daily life and chronic pain. Since yoga is known to help with balance, it’s a great way to reduce your likelihood of falling and injuring yourself. Meditation may be less physical, but it encourages mindfulness. This, in turn, influences your mental health and helps you manage stress more easily. It has also been shown to reduce insomnia, which means you’ll be sleeping much better. Restful sleep has its own powerful benefits to the health of an older adult, so meditation is certainly worth exploring.

How to Meditate Well

Practicing meditation is more than just sitting still, and according to Mindful.org, you have to take a deliberate approach when meditating. Doing this involves getting comfortable and focusing on your breathing for set moments at a time. As a beginner, practicing mindfulness may just start with letting your mind run and making note of where your thought trails tend to go. Over time, you’ll be able to choose what you want to focus on and develop a better understanding of why you think the way you do. While you can certainly attend a class that offers meditation, you can practice anywhere. If you want to explore meditating at home, choose comfortable areas such as your bed or your favorite chair.

Senior-Friendly Yoga

There are a number of yoga styles that older adults may enjoy depending on their level of mobility. According to Vive Health, styles like hatha yoga can be great for persons who want to stick to the basics. Other styles like Iyengar and Vini yoga can be easily adapted to accommodate seniors with different needs. It’s also possible to practice low-impact yoga while in a pool or chair. When looking for a class, it’s best to search for those that are senior-friendly so you get teachers who are used to dealing with older adults. Before joining a class, inform your teacher of any medical conditions so they can introduce you to modified poses. 

Home-Based Yoga Practice

It’s not always possible or desirable to leave home for yoga classes so ensure you know what it takes to practice at home. It’s best to set aside a comfortable space and set the mood if you can. You should set aside some time when you won’t be distracted so you can focus on what you’re doing. If you’re comfortable with planning a yoga session for yourself then that’s great. Otherwise, consider looking to YouTube or other online yoga channels that provide classes that you may enjoy. You can also download apps that focus on guiding older adults in practicing yoga in a home setting. Just make sure you choose programs that suit your physical situation. 

Meditation and yoga can be very useful for older adults who would like to maintain their overall wellness. Both practices can have positive effects on an older adult’s mental and physical health which are important in their golden years. At all times, make sure you’re choosing the right style for you, and don’t be afraid to ask for modifications when needed. 

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