Yoga and Healthy Ageing 

Yoga is an applied science that re-establishes the lost balance by enriching our mind. It is a classical Indian form that creates a dynamic connectivity between body, mind and soul. Yoga helps one age better and improves flexibility and strength of the body through simple practices. Mental health may include an individual’s ability to enjoy life, and create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

Yoga is a spiritual way of life that transcends all ages. Evolution from “I” to “WE;” from being a limited individual to becoming an expanded universal human being is made possible through Yoga, which is a classical Indian form that creates a dynamic connectivity between body, mind and soul. One can start learning this art at any age; in fact experts believe Yoga helps one age better and improves flexibility and strength of the body through simple and uncomplicated practices as well as to stay physically fit, mentally alert, and enhance spirituality.

Ageing is an inevitable natural process associated with sluggish metabolism, demineralization of bone and decreased energy levels, feeling of weakness and decrease in power of resistance. Injuries take longer to recover with common complaints of arthritis, rheumatism, incontinence, insomnia, constipation, coughing, difficulty in breathing, bronchitis, prostate enlargement, high blood pressure, diabetes, paralysis, etc., coupled with mental depression, loneliness, anxiety, suspicion, self-centeredness, low self-esteem due to wear and tear of the brain tissues. This raises the need for the seniors to stay fit and healthy during this age, though degeneration of the body also set some limits to the types of exercises they can do.

Yoga practice increases hippocampus gray matter volume in non-demented elderly. Comprehensive lifestyle intervention was associated with significant increase in telomere length and improved telomerase activity. A review included all studies of yoga with older adults and concluded that there were trends toward improvement in strength, balance, gait and flexibility in older adults participating in yoga. Interventions that are more holistic and comprehensive can address multiple aspects of health in well-being at the same time.
Telomere shortness in human beings is a prognostic marker of ageing, disease, and premature morbidity. It was concluded by Dean Ornish and colleagues that comprehensive lifestyle intervention was associated with significant increase in telomere length and improved telomerase activity.
Dr Meena Ramanathan and colleagues recommended that Yoga should be made a part of health-care facilities for elderly as it can enhance the quality of life by improving their overall mental health status. It could provide a healthy and positive alternative from depressing negative thoughts, and give them a sense of purpose and hope. They gave evidence of the positive influence of Yoga in reduction of depression and anxiety scores and improvement in self-esteem scores in elderly women attributed to changes in central neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric-acid coupled with increased parasympathetic tone and decreased sympatho-adrenal activity.

Yogic techniques aim at maintaining and improving the various motor skills and preserve physical, mental and social well-being in the seniors. The effort in trying to achieve the pose helps them gain the benefit which is of primary importance. Yoga is beneficial in prevention and control of common health and emotional problems that are linked with old age creating a positive approach in life.

A group session of Yoga is a big motivation that helps one to enhance their skills and overcome individual limitations. When they interact with people of their own age and calibre their problems and pain seems infinitesimal in comparison to that of the others around. Group session is a therapy on its own as it enhances the meaning and purpose of their lives. ‘Silver Yoga Hour’ enlivens and cheers up their spirits, gives them something to ‘look-forward-to’, something to get dressed up for and many things to share amongst their new-found “Yoga-friends”.

Yogamaharishi Dr Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj states, “Yoga is the science and art of right-use-ness of body, emotions and mind”. Growing old no longer has to mean steadily declining health. The miracles of modern medicine, improved diets, better living conditions and awareness help people maintain their physical health, fitness and promote vitality in their sunset years. Old age can be made not only bearable but also pleasurable. After all, old age is not a matter of years but a condition of mind and yoga brings a healthy state of mind. Yoga has proven to be immensely therapeutic in preventing deterioration through ageing. Promoting healthy lifestyle in the elderly is vital in helping them maintain good health and lead happy and independent lives. Yoga has been proven to help alleviate or reduce many of these health challenges, making it an increasingly popular choice in the adult population. The simple yet immensely beneficial effect of yoga slows down and reverses the ageing process. Yoga may not only add a few years to life but also may add life to the years. Hence practice of yoga should become an integral part of old age.