Yoga offers benefits to people of all ages, including significant benefits for seniors. Lack stability and balance increase as people age, putting seniors at greater risk for falls and injury. Falls are a significant health risk for seniors, resulting in hip fractures, brain injury and death every year.
Among the many benefits of yoga are improvements in balance, posture and stability. Some asanas that help with balance include tree pose, mountain pose, dancer’s pose and the warrior asanas. These poses are used in all forms of yoga and each type of yoga offers benefits for balance and stability. Iyengar or hatha yoga classes use props and modify poses, which is beneficial for seniors and allows them to participate in a way that is safely modified for their needs.
Modern medicine now offers evidence of this centuries old wisdom. Researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia studied the benefits of yoga for improving balance and stability in women over the age of 65. For the study, subjects practiced Iyengar yoga for nine weeks.
The study showed that participants increased flexibility, balance and stability by the end of the nine week period. Practicing yoga can help seniors preserve balance and regain stability. Better stability and balance can lead to fewer falls and reduce the risk of serious injury.
A growing number of yoga studios, gyms, and the YMCA and other community organizations are offering yoga classes specifically designed for seniors. These classes are designed for seniors and poses are modified and props used, as needed, to meet the needs of the individual student.
Seniors experiencing problems with balance and stability may still benefit from a modified yoga practice. If other injuries or health conditions are involved, starting to practice with a trained yoga therapist is recommended. Speak to your doctor about the benefits of yoga and ask for a recommendation for a local yoga therapist. Yoga therapists can be found listed online with the International Association of Yoga Therapists on their website at iayt.org.