Meditation and Yoga for Seniors

Meditation and Yoga on the Rise Among Seniors

As I was searching for information on appropriate exercises for the elderly, I came across this survey that discovered that practitioners of yoga, meditation and other mind-body practices are steadily on the rise in America. Among the interesting findings is that among older Americans aged 45 to 64, practitioners of yoga increased from 5.2 percent in 2002 to 7.2 percent in 2012. The survey does not explain the specific reasons why more and more people are taking up yoga and other meditation techniques, but it concedes that it is health-related. It also acknowledges that these meditation techniques seem to address unmet health needs, so that more research is needed to identify such needs, and to confirm the effectiveness of said mind-body practices.

Yoga for seniors

The survey's finding that mind-body practices such as meditation and yoga are viable components of an exercise regimen for the elderly is particularly interesting. So I'll do a little search to see if yoga for seniors is really feasible and if there are particular beneficial effects.

And apart from the research, I'll also be looking for instructional resources such as a yoga for seniors DVD. 

Special exercise equipment for seniors not needed

On the practical side, this is also good news because meditation and yoga do not require any special equipment, apart from a yoga mat, sensible activewear and comfortable shoes for the elderly. A fitness tracker to monitor vitals of the seniors is also recommended.