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An essential part of senior living is staying active and enjoying yourself. Yoga is a physical activity that many people in their 60s and 70s can do, and it’s beneficial for your body and mind. Below are 4 of the biggest reasons you should incorporate yoga into your lifestyle.

Why Yoga Is Healthy For 60 & 70-Year-Olds

1. Limits Risk of Falls

Falls are a primary concern for seniors, especially when you live alone. Yoga strengthens and tones muscles while perfecting your balance and flexibility. It also enhances body awareness and control. Yoga may reduce your risk of falls by improving your sense of balance and strength.

2. Keeps Your Mind Sharp

Practicing yoga regularly can improve your brain’s function. A 2018 study found that regular practitioners of yoga had a larger hippocampus than non-practitioners, which led to an improvement in executive function and memory. While the sample size was small, the researchers state that these results correspond with other studies and that yoga’s potential to boost cognitive health should be explored.

3. Improves Joint Health

senior livingConditions like arthritis and osteoarthritis tend to appear throughout your years of senior living, and yoga assists with managing symptoms like pain and stiffness, especially in the knees. The activity helps by lubricating joints and improving muscle flexibility and strength around the joints, providing more support for them.

4. Reduces Anxiety & Improves Mood

Yoga also boosts your mental well-being. In a study of women, it was found to have significant benefits for those experiencing depression and anxiety after just 12 sessions. Another study found yoga more effective than walking at reducing feelings of anxiety and improving the sense of well-being. It’s thought that yoga achieves this by increasing levels of GABA in the brain, which calms the nervous system.

 

If you’re searching for senior residences that embrace independent and active senior living, consider applying for residency at Cathedral Towers in Atlanta, GA. They offer affordable housing for seniors aged 62 and up who want to live on their own but stay social and active. Their regular events include hiking, shopping, and holiday celebrations, with well-maintained facilities and beautiful gardens. Learn about their independent living community online, and call (404) 231-3020 to schedule a tour of their senior residences.

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