Yoga has become a popular fitness and exercise option worldwide, with practitioners of all ages and body types being able to experience the benefits of this ancient practice. Apart from helping maintain your daily health and wellness, some studies have suggested that yoga has pain relief effects too. There are many anecdotes from practitioners that yoga has helped to manage everything from back pain to arthritis.

When done appropriately and with care, this makes yoga a powerful exercise option for seniors, who often experience chronic pain or other physical side effects as a result of ageing or long-term disease. As more seniors worldwide pursue ‘active ageing’ to stay physically and mentally engaged into their golden years, in-person or online yoga can become an age-appropriate way to help seniors stay fit and healthy.

Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

1. Relieve chronic pain

Growing old often comes with the experience of chronic pain. Arthritis, stiff joints, and generalised leg or back pain are all common pain conditions faced by seniors. Illnesses such as osteoporosis or diabetes can also cause pain in other parts of the body. Studies have shown that yoga can offer physical chronic pain relief by initiating a “relaxation response” in our neuro-endocrinal system, helping to release some of the soreness and tenseness in our body.

Viniyoga techniques such as Pranayama (breath regulation) and Dhyanam (meditation) can also help us deal with the mental and emotional aspects of chronic pain, which weigh us down and can negatively affect our mental health. 

2. Improve flexibility, mobility, and balance

As we get older, our flexibility, mobility, and balance are often affected leading to a decrease in our daily quality of life as well as an increase of injuries from falls. Some studies suggest that long-term yoga lessons can lead to a noticeable improvement in flexibility in seniors.

During Viniyoga sessions, consciously holding an Asana (posture) for a period of time is one way we can allow our bodies to relax and release tension. This can help with stiff muscles and decreasing joint pain, as well as improve mobility. Our online yoga classes are totally private, so practitioners can go at their own pace without feeling rushed or stressed out. 

3. Reduce stress and anxiety

As we age, many of us may feel increased relaxation as we get to take a break, slow down, and enjoy our post-retirement years. However seniors can also experience stress and anxiety due to health, work, or family concerns. Anxiety over ageing can also cause mental distress, as our bodies are changing dramatically beyond our control leaving behind feelings of helplessness or frustration.

Yoga is a great tool for maintaining our mental health and helping us cope with such drastic changes at any point in our lives. Some studies even show that yoga has antidepressant effects, by helping to drop cortisol levels in practitioners.

Why choose Viniyoga for seniors?

The health and wellness benefits above are just some of the ways yoga can improve the lives of seniors. Viniyoga’s online yoga classes can be tailored to suit your needs, so you can progress at your own pace. Our yoga trainers will offer adjustments to the movements in line with what you and your body are comfortable with, so you do not need to feel pressured to keep up with expectations of what a yoga session should look like.

Going for yoga classes (whether online or offline) is also an opportunity for social bonding, which can help prevent feelings of isolation or loneliness common amongst seniors. Get in touch with us today to find out how our private yoga classes can enrich your life.