According to Yoga Journal, 2.9 million Americans age 55 years or older regularly practice yoga for its health benefits, such as increased flexibility, lower blood pressure, easing of aches and pains, and improved balance.
"In a culture that worships youth, yoga honors the aging process: Poses can be modified to every body type and level of ability, making classes accessible to anyone willing to step onto the mat," the magazine reported. In Australia, we have a culture of sports and fitness for our youth so why don't more aging senior Australians embrace yoga?
An increasing body of research is showing how yoga can benefit aging adults. In a recent study at Indiana University, for example, older Veterans who had suffered strokes improved their balance and endurance after participating in twice-weekly yoga classes taught by a yoga therapist. An earlier study at the same university reported that older adults averaging 78 years of age improved muscle strength in the lower extremities and reduced their fear of falling after participating in twice-weekly hatha yoga classes during a 12-week period.
If you or your loved one want to find out more about yoga, the Yoga Journal website offers examples of therapeutic poses for elderly adults with conditions ranging from anxiety and back pain to fatigue, high blood pressure, mild depression and stress. An extensive list of free videos that demonstrate yoga exercises for seniors is also available in the Health section of eHow.com.This week in Queensland, Seniors are being celebrated across the state in honour of Seniors Week from 15 - 23 August. Celebrations are in full swing with a range of events and activities being held across the state to recognise the contribution of older Queenslanders. The theme is "It's on for young & old" and Seniors Minister Coralee O'Rourke today officially launched Seniors Week in Albion at a forum on wellness and active ageing, organised by the Council on the Ageing Queensland (COTAQ), the Brisbane Seniors Network and other community partners. The Queensland Government have provided more than $100,000 towards 113 Seniors Week events in Brisbane and activities throughout the state. For more information on the Queensland Government's support for seniors go to www.qld.gov.au/seniors/
To find a list of events and activities during Seniors Week visit http://cotaqld.org.au/programs_events/seniors-week-2015/
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