Council on Aging Answers 2015 - 56

COUNCIL ON AGING - ORANGE COUNTY

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Yoga: Not Just for the Young
n Cindy M. Miller, RYT-200
Yoga Therapist/Instructor, CPT

Have you ever visited a yoga class where everyone is
twisted into poses that resemble pretzels? Some people
seem young and vibrant; others seem calm and serious.
All are intent, focused on what they're doing. Perhaps
you've shaken your head and thought, "That's impossible! I can't do that!" Don't be discouraged. Learn more
about yoga and give it a try.
Yoga brings a holistic approach to traditional exercise
that helps integrate all aspects of wellness, encompassing body, mind, and spirit. It uses gentle techniques that
promote and help maintain health and well being for all
age groups whether you're 9 or 90.
The beauty of yoga is there are so MANY styles available that EVERYONE can participate. Consider the
possibilities: power yoga, yoga in a chair, yoga for babies,
for seniors, and for the disabled. It can be offered for
specific medical conditions including arthritis and back
pain. Yoga can be practiced by anyone regardless of
gender, size, shape or age.
Yoga has long been shown to alleviate the symptoms
of many conditions, combining both the physical poses
with relaxation and breathing techniques to improve
your overall well-being. Seniors may be suffering from
any number of chronic conditions, such as high blood
pressure, arthritis, and osteoporosis. Yoga offers lowimpact movements that may not put stress on the joints
the way more traditional exercises do. In addition, relaxation exercises and breathing techniques can aid in lowering blood pressure and help with sleep problems.
Most experts agree that maintaining flexibility is
important for everyone. Muscle and joint stiffness can
create pain and limit our ability to live independently
while a loss of flexibility can make anyone feel much
older. Yoga offers specialized stretches that target the
entire body. Practicing yoga on a regular basis will help
maintain flexibility and avoid many of the problems that
come from musculoskeletal stiffness.
Health Benefits of Yoga
Studies have shown that the practice of yoga, including breath work, movement and meditation offers many
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Answers Guide 2015

benefits including:
n Lowers blood pressure
n Increases respiratory efficiency
n Improves musculoskeletal flexibility and range of
motion (ROM)
n Improves posture, strength and resiliency
n Improves immune function
n Improves balance
n Improves sleep
n Decreases pain
If you would like to enjoy any of these benefits, find
out what classes are offered at a recreation center, senior
center or some of the local colleges near you. If you prefer a more personal setting and attention, look for a yoga
studio that offers beginning yoga for seniors, chair yoga,
gentle yoga, or even restorative yoga. Inquire about an
opportunity to observe a class or attend your first class
without charge.
If you are willing to consider a new activity or add to
the activities you already do, try yoga. You have nothing
to lose and everything to gain!

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Council on Aging Answers 2015

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