At first glance, you might think that only young people can practice yoga. But that's not the case. There are many people who remain enthusiastic about the postures of Buddhist teachings even in old age. The advantage of yoga practice is that it can always be adapted to one's own needs, meaning the exercises can improve the quality of life for many people. If you belong to the older generation or want to do something good for your grandparents, read this article. Here you'll find the best tips for yoga in old age.

The positive effects of yoga – also for seniors?

Whether young or old, physical exercises on the yoga mat offer numerous benefits for the body, mind, and soul. Therefore, it's no wonder that yoga is increasingly being practiced and offered in retirement homes. Of course, the practice of the various asanas differs depending on the physical condition of the older people—some even practice those in their 80s and 90s.

The advantages are obvious:

• The mobility of the joints increases
• Stiffness throughout the body decreases
• Psychological improvements are typical consequences of regular yoga practice
• more positive thoughts
• more joy in life
• Relaxation of the nervous system (a real benefit, especially for nervous diseases)

As you can see, regular, gentle practice can make a big difference in the lives of older people.

Yoga classes for seniors: What should you keep in mind?

Of course, individual yoga classes can't be conducted the same way as with a younger group of yogis. Experienced yoga teachers who teach seniors report the following:

• The individual asanas are not performed consecutively. Instead, the respective physical exercises are explained in detail so that older people can relate to the effects and execution. This is particularly important for this target group, as many at this age have no prior experience with such movements.
• This is followed by the gentle practice of the individual asanas. Here, too, less is often more. For many, one or two exercises are enough to notice a significant difference in their well-being.
• Of course, in many cases the execution of yoga postures must be checked by a doctor to ensure that no further problems arise.
• In addition, in retirement homes, a chair with a meditation cushion is often used instead of a mat. This makes certain exercises easier to perform.
• The teacher's sensitivity is even more important for older yogis in retirement homes. Slowness rather than speed leads to the desired result.
• Aids such as bolsters , yoga blocks or straps can also be useful for certain postures.

What should you do if older people are afraid of yoga?

Most yogis over the age of 80 experienced parts of the World War. This fact must be taken into account in individual units. Accordingly, this generation has hardly paid much attention to itself. As a result, they have little connection to techniques that enhance well-being and health.

So it's not surprising that older women and men are wary of this new form of movement. The yoga teacher must understand this and choose a very gentle introduction to the topic.

A good tip is to start with standing exercises. This makes it easier to get started, and eventually, you can even perform poses on the mat—if the yogis wish.

Slowness, sensitivity and empathy play an essential role in yoga practice with older people.

Breathing exercises for more calm in the system – well-being on all levels

Many older people have never paid much attention to their own breathing. It was probably far too shallow for most of their lives, potentially leaving the body with insufficient oxygen.

Conscious breathing therefore plays a key role in yoga sessions. The advantage is that breathing exercises are easy to learn and can be performed by most people.

The most popular breathing techniques for older people include:

a) Alternate breathing:

Here, the focus is on nasal breathing. You close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through your left. Then, if possible, close both nostrils and hold your breath. Then, open the right nostril and exhale through it, leaving the left closed. Alternate between these two. This breathing technique balances the energy in your system, and the exercise also has a positive effect on your immune system and vitality.

b) Ujjayi breathing:

This breathing technique involves breathing deeply into your belly, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen in your body. This is also truly beneficial for older people. Sit upright and breathe in and out deeply through your nose a few times. Then, as you exhale, open your mouth and act as if you were breathing on a mirror. Deepen this breathing until a sound is heard as you exhale. Once you've mastered this, close your mouth and breathe in and out, making this sound each time you exhale to cleanse your throat chakra.

These breathing exercises may be combined with a short meditation on the cushion . The yoga teacher should always pay attention to whether the participants are ready to close their eyes and engage with the emptiness. If not, then it is advisable to practice gentle body movements or continue to incorporate breathing techniques.

Conclusion: Yoga in retirement homes has many benefits

Practicing yoga poses has many benefits for body, mind, and soul. Of course, this effect also applies to older people. Step by step, they can bring more calm and relaxation into their system and achieve greater flexibility. Many report a greater zest for life and a better mood.

Do you know any older people who practice yoga regularly? If so, what do they say? Or perhaps you yourself belong to this generation that loves yoga?