More seniors enjoying yoga for exercise
August 10, 2010
The New York Times has recently reported that one of the fastest growing groups that have taken up yoga is senior citizens. Many of these older adults claim that it has changed their lives by making them stronger, more stable and flexible.
A rapidly rising number of retirement communities have been offering modified yoga classes for their residents. In these classes, there is much more emphasis on breathing and awareness, rather than sudden movements, according to the news source.
“It makes me feel good, happy, full of energy, vibrant,” Sylvia Guzman, 81, told the news provider, who says that her eight-year yoga regimen has reduced the pain of arthritis in her knees.
One study at the Oregon Health and Science University found that people aged 65 to 85, could stand longer on one leg and seemed to experience a higher quality of life after practicing yoga for six months.
Experts suggest that exercise can help prevent falls that can result in broken hips or other injuries, but it’s also a good idea to have a way to notify someone in case of an emergency.
More seniors who want to live independently and safely are investing in medical alert systems, which allow them to communicate with neighbors, family or doctors instantaneously.
