1. Find Somebody Qualified
Look for instructors and yoga studios that cater specifically to seniors. Teachers who have been working with the elderly understand the demands and limitations that come with age, so they can avoid exercises and poses that may cause injury and instead concentrate on those that will improve balance, flexibility and strength. To find a qualified instructor, look for classes given by the Y or other community-based centers and organizations. You should also check with libraries, park commissions (for outdoor summer classes) and local clinics.
2. Focus on the Most Basic Poses
Yoga is a great exercise for the elderly because it can be adapted to almost every fitness level. Even people who have no background in yoga and who haven't exercised in years can benefit from a series of basic poses (asanas), such as the Cat Pose, in which the spine is arched up and down to improve flexibility and strengthen the back, and the Half Spinal Twist, where the upper body is twisted in the opposite direction of the legs. All the basic postures strengthen the immune system, improve circulation and increase flexibility. Other poses that are appropriate for the elderly include the Locust Pose, the Dog Pose and the appropriately named Easy Pose.
3. Learn to Breathe
Yoga is a great help when it comes to dealing with depression, anxiety and muscular tension. In the elderly, yoga can be used to battle emotional and mental issues that may not respond to medication. Yoga's breathing technique, known as Kapalabhati, consists of deep breaths taken using the diaphragm rather than the chest. Most people can benefit from simply sitting in a comfortable position with their back straight and using slow, deep breaths to relax and cleanse their bodies and minds.
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