The importance of health at any age cannot be understated. Typically, your diet, activity level, and your environment have a great impact on the quality of your health. However, it should be stated that your fitness level will not always remain the same throughout your life. Thus, you should find an activity that you are able to partake in and reap benefits from. This is where yoga for healthy aging comes in. It’s common to see people of all ages do yoga from basic poses to the most advanced of exercises. It has several benefits from physical to mental. Most importantly, it is easy to get started with even if you are a complete novice!
Aids in Joint Health
The strength of your joints becomes weaker as you grow older, thus it is important to take care of them by eating the right nutrients like calcium and protein. Yoga, too, can help prevent a bone disease called osteoporosis.
Enhances Balance and Strength
You may notice that you tend to fall a lot. Yoga is a good way to gain balance and stability. Many yoga poses focus on building these. In addition, muscle mass reduces over time and the strength training present in yoga can help combat and reverse this process.
Improves the Quality of Sleep
It has been reported that the quality and quantity of our sleep reduces over the years. This can be due to night wakefulness and sleep apnea. Since yoga is so relaxing, it helps one sleep longer and more soundly. This in turn regulates many metabolic and cognitive processes.
Reduces Stress
Stress is common currently and exercise like yoga is a great way to reduce it. Many yoga poses encourage one to relax and loosen various muscle groups. Back and shoulder pain can be managed which also reduces the need for medication.
Manages Depression and Anxiety
Yoga is far from being only a physical health aid. It is very much an exercise for the mind. It is no wonder, then, that it alleviates mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Whilst the exact mechanism for this is unknown, the social aspect of taking a yoga class may promote wellness.
Increases Alertness and Cognitive Abilities
Yoga places a lot of emphasis on the right breathing techniques. This not only reduces stress but improves one’s cognitive abilities like memory. With a significant proportion of older adults prone to dementia, this can be a preventative aid.
Promotes Respiratory System Health
Many high-impact exercises cause shortness of breath, but studies have shown that yoga helps improve breathing and respiratory function. Breathing sustains life so it is important to keep it in tip-top condition.
Helps in Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness is an ancient practice that involves being present and focused on the here and now. This is best achieved through monitoring your breathing and being aware of your body. In yoga, you can do both. Mindfulness and yoga have been linked to several health benefits.
