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Staying active is essential for a healthy, independent lifestyle, and yoga is one of the most sustainable ways to do just that. As a low-impact and modifiable exercise, yoga supports strength, balance, and flexibility at any stage of life. More than just physical exercise, yoga promotes mental clarity and can be a great way to connect with others.

Physical Fitness Benefits

sitting and stretching
  • Incorporating breathing techniques during poses enhances body conditioning and reduces nervous system activity, assisting in blood pressure management.
  • Regular yoga practice supports cardiovascular and pulmonary health.
  • Improved mobility, flexibility, and posture from yoga can lead to improvements in balance control, aiding in fall prevention.
  • Yoga poses can be adapted to suit any skill level, including chair exercises for those with mobility impairments.

Improved Mindfulness & Cognitive Health

meditate with candle
  • Yoga enhances mindfulness by promoting present-moment awareness, which can lead to reduced anxiety and stress levels.
  • Mindfulness practices within yoga have been associated with improved cognitive function and emotional regulation in older adults.
  • Studies indicate that yoga can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, contributing to better mental well-being.

Social Benefits

  • Participating in group yoga sessions fosters social interaction, helping to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Group classes provide a sense of community and belonging, which is beneficial for emotional health.
  • Engaging in yoga with others encourages the development of new friendships and social networks.

If you are interested in exploring or deepening your yoga practice, join us for our Genki Living Workshops: Yoga event on Tuesday, July 22nd at the Terasaki Budokan in Little Tokyo! Click here to register for the program.

For a list of citations, please visit keiro.org/yoga-benefits.

Note: As with any physical activity, it is advisable to consult with your physician before making any changes to your exercise routine.

Sources

Östh, J., Diwan, V., Jirwe, M., Diwan, V., Choudhary, A., Mahadik, V. K., Pascoe, M., & Hallgren, M. (2019). Effects of yoga on well-being and healthy ageing: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (FitForAge). BMJ open, 9(5), e027386. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027386

Madhivanan, P., Krupp, K., Waechter, R., & Shidhaye, R. (2021). Yoga for Healthy Aging: Science or Hype?. Advances in geriatric medicine and research, 3(3), e210016. https://doi.org/10.20900/agmr20210016

Krejčí, M., Hill, M., Kajzar, J., Tichý, M., & Hošek, V. (2022). Yoga Exercise Intervention Improves Balance Control and Prevents Falls in Seniors Aged 65. Zdravstveno varstvo, 61(2), 85–92. https://doi.org/10.2478/sjph-2022-0012

Chobe, S., Chobe, M., Metri, K., Patra, S. K., & Nagaratna, R. (2020). Impact of Yoga on cognition and mental health among elderly: A systematic review. Complementary therapies in medicine, 52, 102421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102421

Voss, S., Cerna, J., & Gothe, N. P. (2023). Yoga Impacts Cognitive Health: Neurophysiological Changes and Stress Regulation Mechanisms. Exercise and sport sciences reviews, 51(2), 73–81. https://doi.org/10.1249/JES.0000000000000311

ReferencesChobe, S., Chobe, M., Metri, K., Patra, S. K., & Nagaratna, R. (2020). Impact of Yoga on cognition and mental health among elderly: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 52, 102421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102421
Loewenthal, J. V., Farkas, E. J., McGough, K., Tomita, B., Wayne, P. M., & Orkaby, A. R. (2024). The impact of yoga on aging physiology: A review. The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, 28(2), 100005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnha.2023.100005