Benefits of Yoga

Incorporating physical activity into daily routines is important for older adults. This ensures that a healthy lifestyle is maintained. With regular exercise, moods can be improved, aches and pains can be alleviated, and bodies can be healthier. Yoga is one of the best exercises for older adults.

Over time, seniors can improve their flexibility and balance, enhance their strength, and boost their mood.

● Strengthened bones: Yoga for seniors can help prevent osteoporosis, which causes bones to become brittle or weak. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone can’t keep up with the decrease of bone mass and density that occurs with aging.

● Reduced stress: Yoga offers a relaxing way to let go of the tension you’re holding in your body, especially your shoulders and upper back. It’s been known to help relieve some of the stresses that leads to hypertension, which in turn leads to not needing as many medications on a daily basis. Yoga also helps reduce anxiety, lowering your heart rate, blood pressure, and making breathing easier.

● Improved sleeping habits: Because yoga for seniors can be so relaxing, many individuals report that they are sleeping longer and more soundly, which can often be an issue for older adults.

● Enhanced balance, flexibility, mobility, and strength: The slow, measured movements involved with yoga poses can lead to better balance and movement, which can prevent falls. Because falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, yoga helps provide the tools needed to improve mobility and get around safely.

● Alleviate aches and pains: Even if you have physical limitations, yoga can help alleviate the aches and pains associated with aging. Yoga can be especially beneficial to those suffering from osteoarthritis by learning how to breathe and relax through chronic pain.

If you’re interested in trying out a yoga class, make sure to do a little research before attending.

Many senior centers offer yoga especially for older adults. Try a gentle beginner class, and no matter what your current fitness level is, senior can benefit from yoga every bit as much as older adults.

At Elder Law of Omaha our passion for seniors and their care is top priority. If you have questions about estate planning or how to plan for long term care and the future, then please give us a call to set up your complimentary 30-minute consultation at 402-614-6400. Visit our website at www.ElderLawOmaha.com