If you have never tried chair yoga for the elderly, you are in for an absolute treat! Many rely on this simple, yet powerful, activity so they can still get in shape. Let’s check out the benefits of chair yoga and what you can expect to experience out of it.
Why Is Chair Yoga So Powerful For The Elderly?
Most elderly live with illnesses or injuries, such as a hip replacement. Hence, keeping fit and flexible is important for them, but most can no longer hit the gyms or aerobics classes like before! An excellent alternative is chair yoga, especially for those who have mobility difficulties or just feel a little ‘fragile’.
Here’s the truth: yoga can benefit anyone, regardless of inflexibility, age, or even disability. As the saying goes, “As long as you are able to breathe, you can do some form of yoga.” Chair yoga offers a spectrum of health benefits for the elderly who can’t position themselves on the floor to take part in a traditional mat yoga class. Fret not; we explore some of the benefits that chair yoga offers.
Improve Flexibility
A lot of people think that the loss of flexibility is unavoidable with aging. However, this is a misconception. Unknown to many, flexibility is actually based upon the “use it or lose it” model. People who do yoga in their 60s, 70s, 80s or even 90s realize that they could regain flexibility in their connective tissues, muscles, and joints. One can improve his or her flexibility at any age.
Those who do yoga over a prolonged period report that they do not only regain lost mobility but become more limber than when they were young.
Experience Relaxation
Very few people believe that relaxation is actually a skill. Most naturally assume that we do not feel relaxed because our lives are too stressful, due to work and more. But like many other skills, relaxation can be achieved through practice and learning. A great chair yoga instructor will begin a class by teaching yoga breathing skills which you may apply to not only a yoga class, but anywhere you need to catch a break.
Chair Yoga May Increase Your Confidence Level
Many who start going to traditional yoga classes find that they are too inflexible and stiff to enjoy the session. Hence, they get discouraged. Instead of quitting, what you can do is switch to chair yoga classes. It makes a huge difference! A simple chair does the work to help any elderly address his or her inflexibility issues. Naturally, participants will gain more confidence! They can then gradually integrate simple yoga movements into their routines.
Eliminate or Reduce Arthritis, Insomnia, and Constipation
Many chair yoga participants discover that after going through regular weekly classes for 3 months, they sleep better at night. Many who experienced chronic constipation prior to joining chair yoga develop more regular bowel movements without the need to take medication. Pain from sciatica, chronic backache, arthritis, and various other conditions also can subside or even disappear in some cases with chair yoga practice!
