Feeling empowered is one of the many benefits of yoga for seniors.

In his early 90’s, my grandfather experienced debilitating back pain. His doctor said he needed an operation. But my grandfather said no to surgery. Instead he said yes, to yoga. He lived to be 97 and never needed the operation.

Of Americans practicing yoga, 2.9 million of them are 55 years or older. And this should come as no surprise, as there are many benefits of yoga for seniors.

How Yoga Can Help You Heal

The benefits of yoga range from the physical to the mental. As my grandfather got older, he began to practice yoga. At first, he learned yoga to help keep his knees strong. But soon, the benefits of his daily practice began to impact other areas of his life too.

He received relief from chronic pain and inflammation and felt empowered to say no to surgery.

Yoga is the secret to aging gracefully. One of the most important benefits of a regular yoga practice for seniors is that it helps to reclaim autonomy by offering greater mobility and energy. But there are plenty of other benefits, too!

15 Healing Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

If you thought that you’re ‘too old’ to do yoga, think again. Yoga is ageless and reaches millions of people of all ages, walks of life, and body types.

Even if you’ve suffered from ailments such as arthritis or broken bones, there are yoga exercises for seniors that is compatible with your body type.

The main thing to keep in mind when you’re starting to do yoga is to start slow and practice the most basic poses.

When you start mastering the basic yoga poses such as child’s pose, downward dog, and cat-cow, you will begin to feel the the following benefits of yoga:

Balance Strength Flexibility Mobility Range of Motion Pain relief Stress relief Posture Inflammation reduction Joy and hope Empowerment Digestion Increased blood circulation Heart health Bone strength

By practicing yoga for 10-20 minutes a day on a daily basis or every other day, seniors can immediately feel their moods change and their bodies feels better.

How To Practice Yoga As A Senior

Yoga for seniors can be performed in a chair. Or, you can try practicing in the open air, if you feel confident in your balance and stability.

Yoga can be practiced anywhere, anytime. When you practice with other yoga students, you’ll also reap the rewards of participating in a community experience.

Feling connected to a community has been demonstrated to increase overall mental and physical health.

The breathing and meditation aspects of yoga are especially empowering. Breathing practices help oxygenate the body and brain. Meditation is a great stress reducer.

Together they multiply the health benefits of yoga to include pain relief, mental clarity, and a feeling of empowerment and independence.

Watch the video and learn what others have experienced when they practice yoga.

You’re invited to join a community of yoga students of all ages in the online program Zenward:

What helps you feel young and energized? Have you ever practiced yoga before?

Let us know your thoughts below.