GENTLE YOGA FOR OLD AGE AND LIMITED MOVEMENT

Teaching Yoga to people in old age or people with injuries or limited movement ability can be especially rewarding. Yoga can help them to become more flexible and active. It can also help to slow down the ageing process and bring hope and positive energy in the life.

Yoga can be practiced by everyone, no matter the age and level of fitness. In contrary to other sporting activities, yoga is non-competitive and allows each person to work at his or her own pace. As yoga is done slowly, the risk of injury is minimum.

Many problems among elderly people and people with limited physical abilities are enforced by insufficient exercise, unwise eating habits, shallow breathing and negative thinking. As a result poor circulation, arthritis and digestive disorders develop. Yoga stimulates the digestion, circulation and lessens the effects of arthritis.

A person who has been inactive for a while should take up yoga practice slowly and gently. Elderly people and people with injuries and movement limitations generally need more personal attention and supervision by the teacher. In the beginning more focus should be given to preparatory exercises.

Proper breathing is of great importance generally and in later life especially. Pranayama, sometimes without or with less retention, should be practiced in this classes.

Meditation helps them to feel centered in themselves and diminishes fear and loneliness. It helps them to realize that this body is just a vehicle for the soul - the real Self is immortal.