Yoga can help create a mind and body connection by mixing stretching and strengthening poses with breathing and relaxation. Even though yoga originated from Northern India, the yoga that is practiced in the west mainly focuses on physical fitness. Although yoga includes a spiritual component, it’s not openly religious and can be beneficial to people from all faith or belief.
Yoga is a safe physical activity for your loved ones as the positions can be tweaked or customized to meet your loved one’s needs. It can be a great way to maintain a strong and healthy body without the joint stress that comes with jogging or weightlifting. From physical to mental and emotional, here are some benefits of yoga that you should know!
Improved Balance
Most yoga poses suitable for your loved ones focus on strengthening their abdominal muscle and core stability. This low-impact exercise can assist them in being more stable on their feet and lowering their chance of falling.
Improved Flexibility
Yoga moves can be excellent stretching exercises for your elderly loved ones. Holding a pose for several breaths allows your muscles and connective tissues to relax, allowing you to move more freely. In fact, there are studies that show practicing yoga daily can significantly improve the general flexibility of your elderly loved ones.
Lower Anxiety and Stress
Yoga can also benefit your mental health as yoga encourages you to focus on the present moment. By meditating and mindfully breathing, you can feel calm and at peace. According to studies, yoga can help reduce stress levels and alleviate anxiety as well as depression symptoms. Based on a 2012 National Institutes of Health survey, about 85 percent of yoga practitioners said they felt less stressed.
Better Sleep
If your loved ones are struggling to get enough sleep, yoga may be the answer to their problems. According to studies, adults over 60 who experienced insomnia took part in yoga classes twice a week and had daily sessions at home reported a significant increase in both the overall quality and duration of their sleep after three months.
Improved Breathing
As yoga focuses on controlling your breathing, it can help to expand your lung capacity as well as improve your respiratory health. There are studies that reported a significant improvement among women over 60 who practiced yoga three times a week.
Stronger Bones
If you’re concerned about weak bones and osteoporosis, yoga may be the exercise you need to strengthen your bones. A regular yoga routine that incorporates weight-bearing postures can assist elderly women and men maintain bone strength. Yoga has been shown to boost bone density in postmenopausal women.
Keep Healthy and Fit at Discovery Village At Boynton Beach
As a resident at Discovery Village At Boynton Beach, you can enjoy our various resort-style amenities while keeping fit and healthy through our exclusive senior living programs where you can indulge in healthy, delicious meals and participate in our comprehensive wellness programs. To learn more about our senior living options, feel free to contact us today!
