There have been many studies that would indicate the benefits of practicing yoga particularly as one gets older.  A study conducted in UK, ‘Flexibility of the elderly after one year practice of yoga and calisthenics’ (Tiedemann A., et.al, 2014), researchers concluded that ‘the practice of hatha yoga (i.e., slow/passive movements) was more effective in improving flexibility compared to calisthenics’.  Here we shall look at a variety of the ways yoga can help to improve health amongst those who are maturing in years:

Minimize hypertension

Yes yoga can relieve stress and hypertension through controlled breathing techniques and certain postures  included in the practice, due to the fact that attention is focused on calming the mind which therefore calms the body, relieves the nervous system, and thus helps manage blood pressure levels.

Strengthen bones

It’s a known fact that our bones will tend to become weaker later on in years and there is a high chance, especially women approaching the menopausal stage, some will suffer from osteoporosis.  Yoga can help strengthen bone density and prevent diseases to joints. 

Keep excess pounds at bay

It can help the regulate food intake, as one should practice on an empty stomach and leave a small gap when practice has finished also.  It enables mindfulness and one becomes more in tuned to what is actually being eaten.  How does yoga affect one’s eating?  By allowing a person to create a more positive relationship with their food.  Also researchers found that those who practiced yoga on a regular basis tended to lose weight than those who did not.