7 Key Benefits of Yoga for Older Adults

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Sedentary Lifestyles for Seniors in Portland Maine ME

Yoga is a type of exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Although seniors who are new to the practice may need to modify their poses at first, they can still gain many benefits from participating in yoga. Whether your aging loved one is looking to supplement his or her current exercise regimen or is ready to try something new, make sure he or she knows about these advantages of yoga.

1. Strengthens Core Balance

The core refers to the group of muscles that exist within a person’s abdomen and back that regulate the sense of balance. A strong core helps seniors regain their balance faster if they trip so they are less likely to fall. Yoga poses such as the cobra strengthen this critical set of muscles.

Older adults who need help doing yoga can benefit from professional in-home care. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Portland respite care experts at Align Home Care are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

2. Increases Flexibility

Yoga poses are often held in gentle stretching motions that promote greater flexibility. Seniors can choose the poses they do to target certain parts of the body. For instance, your loved one can do the child’s pose to stretch tight muscles in his or her back.

3. Promotes Relaxation

Engaging in regular exercise can boost mental health. However, yoga has specific benefits for seniors because it helps them practice mindfulness. Focusing solely on the pose and the breathing is a type of meditation that eases anxiety for older adults.

4. Facilitates Deeper Breathing

During yoga practice, your loved one will be encouraged to breathe a special way through each pose, which involves deep breathing that sends oxygen throughout the body. The increased respiration helps seniors enjoy a greater sense of vitality that comes with providing the cells in the body with the oxygen necessary for boosting their health.

5. Boosts Blood Circulation

Many seniors require low-impact exercise programs that get their blood flowing without putting too much strain on their joints. Yoga provides just enough physical activity to boost blood circulation without overexerting seniors, and it is also a great form of exercise because seniors can choose to do a few poses and rest if necessary.

6. Provides a Social Opportunity

Seniors need to spend time with other people, and attending yoga classes designed for older adults is a great way to get out and mingle. Seniors can also practice yoga at home with the help of professional caregivers who can provide gentle support as they bend and stretch. Turning exercise into a social opportunity makes it easier for older adults to stay motivated for working out.

A Portland elderly caregiver can help your elderly loved one manage his or her health in a variety of ways. If your loved one needs encouragement to exercise more often, eat healthier foods, or socialize on a regular basis, an in-home caregiver can address these and many other health-related concerns.

7. Reduces High Blood Pressure

Older adults should watch their blood pressure levels to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack, and exercise helps seniors keep their vital signs in a healthy range. With yoga practice, your loved one has more control over how long he or she works out, and it is easy to incorporate poses throughout the day to lower his or her blood pressure without putting too much strain on the heart.

Doing yoga is one of the many ways older adults can boost their health and enjoy a high quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Portland, ME, Align Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To create a customized in-home care plan for your aging loved one, give us a call at (207) 835-3490 today.

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