Yoga for Active Retirement

Get the most out of your “golden years” – now that you finally have time to do something for yourself and your own physical and mental development.

Some of the key benefits of yoga for seniors would include:

Physical: increased flexibility getting in and out of the car, tying shoe laces, putting on socks, tying your bra, picking
thinks up that drop on the floor, better sleep, improved posture making you look younger.
Emotional: increased self esteem, confidence, less depression, emotional well being, more focused, better memory, sociable, make friends, relaxing.

Many problems associated with ageing such as circulatory disorders, arthritis and digestive complaints are a result of lack of exercise, poor eating habits and shallow breathing. Proper breathing is especially important for older people. Yoga, with its positive effects on the endocrine and nervous systems, can also be beneficial in dealing with the discomforts of menopause.
Tapping new sources of energy at any age In just a short amount of time, specially adapted yoga exercises can awaken the body’s power of regeneration, leading to more energy, enhanced physical well-being and a more positive attitude towards life. Many complaints associated with ageing such as sleeplessness, lack of drive and initiative, insufficient circulation and digestive trouble can be corrected.

– Yoga is a superior form of weight-bearing exercise for preventing osteoporosis:
Bones grow stronger in response to use. In the presence of adequate supplies of calcium in the diet, bone growth is stimulated by any  activity in which bones bear weight or muscles pull them. Yoga stimulates bones throughout the body. In Yoga the weight is systematically applied to bones in the hands, arms, upper body, neck and even the head, as well as the feet and legs. Because yoga postures are learned gradually, the weight applied to the bones increases safely, incrementally as the student becomes stronger and can hold postures for longer periods of time. Bones continue a healthy process of regeneration and remain strong. 

- Yoga prevents and helps to overcome arthritis:
Regular gentle movement helps reduce pain and maintain mobility. Yoga based exercises expand range of motion without stressing or straining joints. Movement increases circulation which, in turn, reduces swelling and increases delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the joint tissues to facilitate their healing. Breathing and relaxation techniques used in yoga help to relieve  stress and tension.

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