You can do yoga at any age -- really! It's just a matter of picking what type of yoga you do and working within your abilities. It might even help you age better, keeping you flexible and building strength through low-impact moves.

Many senior citizens, at age 65 and older, have reached a point where they fear a fall for its consequences. They think that yoga—with all its crazy inversions, intimidating balancing poses and tough-looking twists—is unattainable. The fear of falling often outweighs their interest in trying yoga.

But once past the intimidation factor often created by what is seen in media and in their young, fit grandchildren showing off their headstands, older folks will see the myriad of benefits that come with practicing yoga at any age, albeit with a few modifications.

If you’re a senior interested in yoga, try a personalized, one-on-one yoga class with an experienced instructor, a gentle yoga class or a chair yoga class. That will eliminate the intimidation of walking into a full class with all levels of practitioners, and it’ll make yoga seem a lot more doable.

Chair yoga allows people to move into poses 
they otherwise wouldn’t be able to do with the 
help of, well, a chair. Whether you’re using the chair to help with balance during tree pose, or you’re moving your arms during sun salutations, you’ll still feel the benefits even if you don’t look like the yogis on the pages of  Yoga Journal.

Yoga is a great option because it does not require specialized equipment and can be done anywhere.  If you have  limited mobility, arthritis or other health issues, there is a modification for almost every yoga pose to accommodate your physical needs.

Benefits of yoga at any age include:

Increases flexibility

Flexibility is something that should be worked on over time, and at any age. If you’re not working on your flexibility, you’re not going to achieve the results you want, whether that’s being able to tie your shoes or lift your arms over your head during a foreword fold. We increase our flexibility through stretching, which is a huge part of any yoga asana. When stretching, listen to your body. Know the difference between discomfort and pain. Find the modifications that work for you. Know that it could take weeks or months to touch your toes, and that the key to stretching is patience and perseverance.

Strengthens muscles you haven’t used in a while

Despite what many people think, you don’t have to hit the weight room in order to strengthen muscles. A yoga practice is full of exercises that help you build muscle, thereby making daily activities easier. During practice, you’re strengthening your core muscles—your legs, hips, abdominals, pectorals, shoulders, 
spine and neck—which help keep you active, longer.

Improves balance

Balance is one of the first things older adults lose. That’s why certain yoga poses, such as tree pose and standing pulling bow, are beneficial and can improve balance, which leads to less falls, an increased focus and better stability.

Creates mindfulness

Meditation and yoga go hand in hand, and when we pause (at any age) and reflect on our practice, our day, the present moment, we become more mindful and are able to take in more. With seniors, it can create a sense of connectedness, a feeling of empowerment; it can improve sleep, reduce signs of depression, improve the way we breathe and many more benefits.

If you have questions or concerns about starting a Yoga routine , please contact us at 

Bradford Family Chiropractic 

Dr Raymond B Gaskey , NASM - CES, PES, GFS, FAKTR