When yoga is recommended by
AARP.org, formerly
the American Association of Retired Persons, you
know credible yoga research supported the
endorsement. Years of research conclude that health
benefits of yoga are especially effective for adults 50 years and older. Among the many reasons that encourage
practicing yoga during these ages are improvements
in blood pressure, bone strengthening, joint protection, weight loss, balance,
mind sharpening, and reduced anxiety.
Downward dog is a popular
yoga pose. What does it mean? Is it a dog fallen in battle? Or is it my older
self meeting yoga again after years of
separation in exchange for fast-paced aerobic classes? I stared in awe as
Ellie, my older adult teacher did challenging poses with ease. But, when I
posed on the mat after being away so long, I worried that I might burn out before I finished.
Ellie encouraged the class by saying, “You are amazing! You’re moving your own blood!” with all the enthusiasm of winning the lottery.
Nowadays, I still take a few
high-energy exercise classes to stay well-rounded, and my yoga is making progress. I enjoy chair yoga with classmates and my teacher Gail who ends sessions with peace and a joke. Chair yoga is popular for people of all ages for various reasons. Having many of the same benefits as yoga on a mat, chair yoga can often be done
wherever someone is seated, even at work.
The following video
illustrates how chair yoga is being used by older adults in California to
extend the time they can drive their cars.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing
Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America
and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog
Great blog post! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Aurora. Our fastest growing senior population is really making strides in the exercise world.
DeleteThis is an inspiration to all of us on the older side of life. Let's make this time of life a time of active maintenance rather than a decline.
ReplyDeleteGood advice, Dave. Too many seniors focus on declining and become their own worst enemies. Seniors, stop believing in ageism stereotypes, even in jokes. Create your own reality focusing on all the things you CAN do if you really try. Happy endings indeed!
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