Top 7 Most Beneficial Yoga Poses for Seniors And Older Adults

Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise at any age. Seniors and older adults will benefit tremendously from the way yoga strengthens your body along with your mind.

Benefits of Yoga For Seniors And Older Adults

Yoga offers numerous benefits for seniors and older adults. They can relieve joint pains with deep stretches as well as enhance mental clarity.

“In addition to improving mental health and reducing blood pressure, yoga can keep your mind sharp,” advises Carolyn Lewis, a health writer at Writing services reviews. “Seniors will benefit from the mind-body connection strengthened by yoga.”

7 Best Yoga Poses For Seniors And Older Adults

Below are seven of the best yoga poses for seniors and older adults to try.

Tree Pose

The tree pose improves balance by building leg and abdominal strength. An improved balance could help prevent falls as a senior or older adult. It also improves concentration which supports mental acuity and sharpness.

To perform this yoga pose, begin by standing with both legs together and your palms together in prayer position in front of your chest. Raise one foot and place it on the inner thigh of the opposite leg near your knee. Hold this pose for at least five deep breaths. Afterwards, switch legs.

Mountain Pose

The mountain pose is a great stress-reliever for seniors and older adults. It improves balance while grounding you and improving your posture. This yoga pose can strengthen muscles all throughout your body.

To begin, stand tall with your feet together and touch. Next, evenly spread your weight between your feet. Align your hips over your feet. Afterwards, drop your tailbone and extend your lower back. Align your shoulders back and hold the pose for as many breaths as you desire.

Warrior II Pose

On top of reducing stress and anxiety, this yoga pose improves balance and bone density. Seniors and older adults will feel stronger and looser in their hips after completing the Warrior II pose.

To perform this yoga pose, begin in the mountain pose. Then shift your feet about 5 feet part. Afterwards, raise your arms so they are parallel to the floor with your palms facing the ground. With an exhale, bend your left knee so it is perpendicular to the ground. Use this knee to support you as you turn to the left and hold it for at least a half a minute. Lastly, even it on your other side by switching foots.

Cat-Cow Pose

The cat-cow pose can help seniors and lower adults stretch their hips, chest, and back. However, it should be done carefully to avoid a back injury.

To begin, start in tabletop position on the floor. Next, life your head up as you inhale and round your back towards the ceiling as you exhale. Repeat this as many times as you would like.

Extended Puppy

Another great yoga pose for easing back pain is downward dog. However, since it may be tougher for seniors and older adults to hold that pose, the extended puppy pose is a great alternative.

To begin, start in tabletop position on the floor. Walk your hands away from you until your chest is touching the ground. Place your arms and hands into the ground as you breathe deeply.

Child’s Pose

In addition to easing back pain, child’s poses stretches your hips. This pose is also great for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

To start, kneel on the floor with your feet together and sit on your knees. With an exhale, extend your arms away from you and sink your torso deeper between your knees. Relax your shoulders, breathe deeply, and stay here for as long as you need.

Savasana

Out of all the poses on this list, this one requires the least amount of effort for seniors and older adults. Despite the minimal effort, this pose has the power to make you feel at peace and relax every muscle in your body.

To start, lie on your back on the floor. Next, let go of control and relax every muscle in your body. Take deep breaths and stay in this position for as long as needed.

Conclusion

If practiced regularly, yoga can help you age mindfully and gracefully.” Seniors and older adults who decide to practice yoga will reap its many rewards. To prevent injury, make sure to do these poses slowly and work with a yoga instructor if possible.