As your elderly loved one ages, his or her body may experience a variety of changes that impact overall quality of life. However, yoga is a form of exercise that can help seniors feel good mentally, physically, and emotionally. The La Mesa at-home caregivers at Coast Care Partners have put together a list of some of the top reasons you should encourage your loved one to take up yoga.
1. Reduces Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the top emotions seniors face due to issues such as experiencing cognitive decline, losing a loved one, and being diagnosed with a chronic health condition. Doing yoga is one of the best ways for your loved one to relax his or her mind and body and reduce anxiety.
2. Enhances Respiration
Aging causes seniors to experience a reduced tolerance to physical exertion as well as many respiratory limitations. When oxygen is reduced in the respiratory system, it can have a negative impact on the mind and body. However, practicing the breathing techniques of yoga could boost your loved one’s respiratory system and keep it in good shape.
3. Leads to Better Balance
Many aging adults develop balance and stability issues in their senior years, which could increase the likelihood of falls and lead to more serious health conditions, including fractures, broken bones, and head traumas. Yoga can help seniors increase their balance, and it also leads to more stability and quicker recovery from illness and injuries.
4. Reduces Blood Pressure
Cardiovascular disease, which is generally caused by high blood pressure, is one of the leading causes of death among seniors. Yoga can reduce oxidative stress, which is one of the main factors associated with high blood pressure. Therefore, taking up yoga could help your loved one reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
5. Prevents Obesity
Seniors can shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight by practicing yoga. The more weight your loved one sheds, the lower his or her risk for obesity. Practicing yoga on a regular basis can increase willpower to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
6. Relieves Joint Pain
Yoga is a good option for seniors who want to increase their joint flexibility and reduce aches, pains, and stiffness in the joints. Seniors who take up yoga can stave off many age-related health conditions, including osteoporosis. Yoga moves may be low-impact, but the techniques can tone your loved one’s muscles.
7. Sharpens the Mind
As seniors age, their cognitive abilities begin to decrease, including the memory, which puts them at a higher risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, yoga can enhance the brain’s performance and function. For example, when your loved one practices yoga, he or she will focus on synchronizing breaths with movements, which harmonizes the brain. As a result, the brain can correlate the logical and emotional sides of his or her personality.
Some seniors may have difficulty performing yoga and other forms of physical activity without assistance. At Coast Care Partners, assistance with exercise is just one of the many services available with our high-quality home care. La Mesa, California, families who need additional help caring for their senior loved ones should call 619-354-2544 today to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives.
