The Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

Namaste. It’s the International Day of Yoga, which means there is no better time to start this relaxing form of exercise. Especially as we age, it’s important to keep moving and incorporate regular workouts into our daily routines. Yoga is a great exercise choice for seniors because there are many physical and mental advantages. Not to mention, yoga can be modified to any fitness level quickly and easily.

With that said, our senior care team serving West Deptford has put together a list of the major benefits that yoga has on seniors.

• Helps seniors stay independent. When you lose your mobility as a senior, you lose a part of your independence. Yoga is a great way to prevent both of these things from happening! The slow, measured movements of each yoga pose can help improve balance and movement, which in turn can help prevent falls. This is especially important since falling is the leading cause of injury and loss of independence among seniors.
• Reduces arthritis pain. Engaging in yoga regularly can help ease aches and pains associated with aging, with one common example being arthritis pain. Not only can yoga help you breathe and relax through the chronic pain, it can also lubricate and relieve pressure on your joints. Regular yoga practice can significantly help reduce the pain and overall stiffness caused by arthritis.
• Supports heart health. Heart disease is an extremely common condition among older adults. Exercise, like yoga, is incredibly effective at lowering the risks for heart disease because it offers a relaxing way to let go of the tension you’re holding in your body and lowers your heart rate.
• Helps seniors sleep better. Trouble sleeping is one of the most common issues seniors experience. Older adults spend more time in the lighter stages of sleep and less time in the deeper, REM stages. Not to mention, many medications that seniors take have a negative effect on sleep. Because yoga can be so relaxing, many seniors who do yoga tend to sleep longer and more soundly.
• Reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Yoga is an ultimate mood-booster. The steady movements, relaxed breathing techniques and soothing meditation create a more positive sense of well-being that helps fight feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.

Senior Yoga Classes in Gloucester County, NJ

At United Methodist Communities at Pitman, we offer assisted living residents a variety of yoga classes for all fitness levels. Our favorites include traditional yoga and chair yoga classes that take place both indoors and outdoors, especially now that the summer weather has arrived! 

Here at Pitman, our yoga instructors understand that each resident has different fitness goals and abilities. They will gladly make modifications to yoga poses on the spot to support beginner yogis and those with physical limitations.

For more information about life at UMC at Pitman in Gloucester County, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/