Your elderly loved one may roll her eyes when you recommend yoga as a possible new form of exercise for her, but yoga has a ton of wonderful health benefits, and it can be catered to be the perfect activity for just about every age. Before your loved one begins any physical activity, she should talk with her doctor about any concerns he may have or any limitations he might suggest so that she can practice this form of exercise safely. Her home care provider can help her find videos for her to begin at home if she decides, or her home care provider can also help with transportation to yoga sessions if driving is a concern for your senior.
Seven Health Benefits of Yoga
Stress relief. Yoga is often guided by mindfulness, asking the participant to fully focus on each movement. Mindfulness can help the brain to take a rest from the daily stresses it feels and offer it a chance to recuperate.
Increased energy. Because yoga often increases a person’s feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem, they can feel reenergized to continue through even the toughest of times.
Better heart health. Regular practicing yoga is known to reduce body-wide inflammation, contributing to a healthier heart for your loved one. Yoga can also reduce high blood pressure and help some people lose excess weight, both of which can lead to heart disease and other heart health issues.
Pain management. If your elderly loved one has chronic pain, especially back pain, yoga can help her reduce her pain and manage it better. The slow and intentional stretches can relax muscles that are tight and painful as well as provide increased blood flow to injured areas.
Improves strength. Holding poses and focusing on deep breathing during those moments can increase strength in core muscles.
Reduces the risk of falls. Yoga builds up balance and flexibility, both needed to prevent the likelihood of a stumble becoming a fall.
Eases arthritic pain. Gentle yoga can ease some of the discomfort of tender, swollen joints associated with arthritis.
Incorporating Yoga into Your Senior’s Routine
Yoga can be done alone at home or in a class. It is something that is easily performed in just about any place a person happens to be, from a small apartment to an expansive outdoor lawn; there’s almost no place your loved one can’t do yoga.
After getting approval from her general practitioner, your loved one should decide if she wants to try yoga on her own in her home or with a group.
A little research on what type of outfits work best for yoga, which shoes, and what mat will also help her experience be more pleasant and successful. Yoga “equipment” doesn’t need to be expensive, just comfortable. A shopping trip to a local athletic store to talk to experts with her home care provider is a good way for your loved one to find what’s best for her.
Finally, it’s just a matter of trying it. It might feel awkward or she might only be able to do some of the poses to begin with, but with practice, your elderly loved one will be doing yoga regularly in no time and enjoying the many health benefits that come along with having yoga as a part of her routine.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Great Neck, NY, please contact the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and NYC, including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stony Brook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County.
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