YH June2018 | Page 75

Talking about yoga for the senior population in the society, it is very safe when followed and practiced under guidance. So for all the seniors looking for a good workout, start practicing yoga for total health care. relieving blood pressure which also helps in relieving stress and tension. The many different poses and breathing techniques also help in more supply of oxygen to all the parts of the body. This also helps in elevating the feel-good vibes in seniors. It was observed that seniors who practiced yoga along with proper breathing techniques, were reported to be happier and content, with a fresh look for life and higher sense of well-being. Treats Breathing Difficulties Regulates Blood Pressure Yoga is an exercise that involves poses and stretching of the body to the extremes. This enables good blood flow in all the parts of the body. The breathing techniques that are practiced along with the poses, help in good flow of oxygen and relaxes the body and mind. This is very good for balancing blood pressure, and as seniors have blood pressure issues, it can help in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Relieves Pain Old age usually gets wrapped slowly with joint and muscle pain. The different poses in yoga, are known to give more flexible joints. The stretching of the muscles too helps in relieving joint and muscle pain. According to a survey conducted on seniors suffering from joint pain, regular practice helped in relieving most of the symptoms of joint pain and other similar diseases. Combats Sleep Disorders Sleep disorders too are very common amongst seniors. Yoga with its many relaxing techniques and different poses, helps in effective sleep. For seniors specially, yoga when combined with herbal therapy, showed amazing results on seniors who had difficulty sleeping. The techniques like controlled breathing, focusing and relaxing were mainly to trigger good sleeping habits, that in turn gives better energy in the day. Improves Social Life As you age, the energy and enthusiasm is on the slope. Also this is the time when most of the seniors retire, and there needs to be a strong mind and energy that keeps up the mood and happy feeling in seniors. It helps in Certain breathing exercises mainly 'pranayama' have excellent effects on seniors who had breathing difficulties, and diseases like bronchitis, asthma, etc. Certain poses that stretched the muscles proved to be very useful for breathing issues. Yoga also reduces stress and anxiety, which calms the body and diminishes any symptoms of difficult breathing. These were some of the facts on ways seniors benefit from yoga. And this is not the end of the list that gives benefits of yoga. Regular practice helps in increased flexibility and good posture, it enhances immunity and also helps to tackle many diseases. So for all the seniors looking for a good workout, start practicing yoga for total health care. For those who are suffering from certain diseases of the joints and similar, it is strictly advised to consult a doctor first, and practice yoga only under trained supervision. Yoga has emerged to be a complete form of exercise that is suitable for all age groups. The poses along with breathing tactics and meditation, have made this a favorite and most followed exercise across the globe. Y O G I C H E R A L D 73