When living in a care facility, many people worry about losing their mobility and level of physical fitness. For those who are already limited to sitting, the worry is even greater. That’s why yoga for elderly residents is so beneficial.

With beginner-level exercises and routine classes, seniors are able to maintain their level of fitness and improve their emotional well-being. Both of which impact their quality of life.

This article will discuss a few exercises caretakers can use to encourage residents and the benefits of chair yoga for the elderly.

Yoga for Elderly Beginners: Exercises to Start With

Like all physical activities, yoga can’t be taught in a day. It takes dedication and practice to become advanced, and starting out with difficult positions and exercises can discourage seniors from participating.

That’s why it’s important to start with easy and simple stretches. Specifically, ones that are achievable and boost self-confidence so seniors feel accomplished.

Here are some yoga exercises that can be used in yoga for elderly beginners.

1. Mountain Pose

Though simple in direction, this pose is the foundation of any yoga exercise. This helps set good posture and allows proper airflow and blood circulation throughout the body.

Seniors who are able will stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, hands at their sides, and back straight. This helps to open up their body, preparing them for a stretch and gentle exercising.

2. Marching in Place

This helps seniors get active with their legs. Staying in mountain pose, they’re about to lift their right leg, then their leg like they’re marching in place.

Seniors who can move their legs but can’t stand are also welcome to take part in the exercise. Just sit up properly, and lift one leg and then the other.

This exercise also helps keep joints mobile and makes for a light cardiovascular exercise when walking outdoors isn’t an option.

3. Half-Circles

Also done from the mountain pose, this exercise is great for lower back flexibility. Residents that are chair-bound can also partake in the exercising by turning their upper body.

Note that many seniors can’t do a full half-circle, and that’s okay. What’s important is that they’re engaged, active, and exercising.

When planning out a yoga class for the elderly, it’s important to remember that some residents have limited mobility and flexibility. That can make moderate to advanced stretches discouraging and hard to complete.

Such simple poses like the ones listed above are key to keeping seniors’ spirits up and giving them a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.

Why Chair Yoga for the Elderly is Beneficial

When people think of yoga, they often picture positions that involve standing and ground movement. Naturally, this can turn seniors who are chair-bound or have limited mobility away from the activity.

That’s where chair yoga for the elderly comes in, incorporating seniors with mobility issues into the group and class.

Like all yoga exercises, chair yoga can help with strengthening and relaxing muscles. It also helps with joint mobility, making it easier to move joints with less pain and stiffness.

This is great for seniors who may be struggling with movement in the body, particularly their joints. Chair yoga can help improve these issues, making their quality of life better.

Chair yoga is also helpful in encouraging seniors to sit with themselves. This allows them to connect with deep emotions and release any stress that may be built up from the day or week.

For residents who struggle to destress or regulate emotions, this is a great opportunity to practice breathing exercises, simple stretches, and even meditation. All of which help improve emotional and mental well-being.

Lastly, chair yoga is also able to be done anywhere. This makes it a great year-round gathering.

Whether it’s outside on a warm and sunny day or inside during a winter storm, chair yoga exercises can be done anywhere at any time. Ultimately, this makes it one of the best exercises for physical activity and quality of life.

Looking for Active Living?

At Symphony Senior Living, we know how important it is to stay physically active. That’s why our facilities have staff that encourages daily exercise and physical engagement. Contact us today to learn more about our facilities and the services that we offer.

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