With advancing age comes an expectation of increasing frailty and dependence upon others for the tasks of daily living. While it is true that some physical debilitation is a natural part of the aging process, it can be minimized through the use of an effective exercise program, such as yoga.
Even frail elderly people can experience the benefits of yoga and other exercise programs.
Research has found that exercise and yoga can lead to fewer pressure sores, lower levels of incontinence, and improved digestive and bowel functions. There are great resources and references at arthritistoday.org and seniorssupportcenter.com, as well as Yoga Journal magazine.
At Founders Pavilion, Corning, N.Y., many residents reported feeling vibrant, good, happy and full of energy after just two months of gentle yoga. Other benefits include less arthritis pain and better sleep. Yoga also provides an opportunity for residents to socialize.
Physical Limitations
Yoga can be modified to suit any resident's level of functioning. Wheelchair yoga, for example, emphasizes breathing and awareness, and focuses less on movement. Gentle yoga can even be used for residents who are mainly confined to their beds. For example, to perform the savasana pose, the resident lies on her back with her legs apart and arms at her sides. As she inhales, she raises her arms over her head, and exhales as she brings them back to her sides.
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Encourage Residents
To drum up interest in a yoga program, invite residents to observe a class to see what goes on and better understand the pace, tone and setting. This allows them decide if they want to participate today or come back another day. Most of our residents who observe a class end up joining right in with the participants and look like they have been exercising every day.
Emphasize that residents should do what they can, and that they don't have to match anyone else's ability level. Try keeping the atmosphere very light and jovial by combining exercise with trivia, current events and reminiscing.
Charlette Smith is director of development & communications, AIM Independent Living Center, Corning, N.Y.
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