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Stretching Is Good for SeniorsRegular yoga practice may improve flexibility, range of motion and quality of life for senior women
Many people still think that getting older is synonymous with getting stiffer, but research published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics shows that starting a regular yoga practice can improve senior women’s flexibility, functional ability, and quality of life.
In the study, 83 healthy but unfit women ages 62 to 81 were assigned to either a yoga group or a control group. Women in the yoga group participated in two one-hour Hatha yoga classes per week for 14 weeks. Hatha yoga consists of breathing exercises, physical exercises emphasizing balance, strength, and flexibility, and mental exercises to improve concentration and induce deep relaxation. Yoga yields resultsAt the end of the trial, the women in the yoga group improved in ways that the control group did not, including:
As the study’s authors summarized, “The study suggests that the regular practice of yoga may lead to improved range of motion in the performance of activities of daily living in elderly women.” Yoga’s many benefitsThe results from this study add to the growing body of evidence that the practice of yoga can benefit adults of all ages. Here are just a few of the many positive changes that people who regularly practice yoga may experience:
To get started, find a class that offers beginning levels and alternate class with practice at home. Use yoga mats, blocks, straps, and balls for extra support while you are still developing flexibility and strength. Instructional books and videos may provide some structure and extra safety advice for your practice. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen. (Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2010;doi:10.1016/j.archger.2010.10.028) Maureen Williams, ND, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She has a private practice on Cortes Island in British Columbia, Canada, and has done extensive work with traditional herbal medicine in Guatemala and Honduras. Dr. Williams is a regular contributor to TraceGains Newswire. Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved. |