How Yoga Can Be Used to Ease Symptoms of Aging

Kylee Sleep is a trained human nutritional scientist with a degree from University of Manitoba. In addition, she trains as a yogi and has worked hard to learn the discipline and practice. Kylee Sleep previously held a position working in elderly nutrition, and has maintained an interest in nutrition and fitness in aging populations for many years. Kylee Sleep believes that one of the great benefits about yoga is its ability to adapt to a wide range of body types and fitness levels. Elderly people can benefit greatly from incorporating yoga into their daily lives.

Some of the health benefits many elderly people experience by practicing yoga are: increased balance, arthritis relief, higher energy levels, and deeper breathing. The goals aging individuals have when practicing yoga are different than those of a younger athlete, says Kylee Sleep. Instead of focusing on complicated moves that require strength and flexibility, elderly participants use yoga to focus on breathing, mild flexibility, balance, and pain relief.

Kylee Sleep notes that yoga provides a space for intensive focus on the act of breathing, and many participants find that before they even attempt a yoga pose, the act of sitting and slowly breathing in and out without thinking about anything else can provide noticeable results in pain management and stress relief. By practicing intentional breathing, aging individuals increase lung capacity and feel energized by their body and cells’ increased access to oxygen. Kylee Sleep recommends elderly folks begin with these simple breathing exercises and then move on to basic yoga positions. The benefits yoga can have on aging individuals are remarkable, and even if they are new to the practice, Kylee Sleep believes that many people can learn the basics of yoga in no time.