There is no fountain of youth and everyone ages differently. But did you know that there are things you can do at any age that can support healthy (and more graceful) aging? A healthy diet - the 80/20 rule is amazing - and regular activity have been scientifically proven to support healthy cellular aging and our body's natural immunity processes. Yoga has also been shown to have a positive impact on aging!

The majority of my adult students are over 50, and many are in their 80's and 90's. I specialize in working with Seniors with limited mobility and also those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. I have had the opportunity to see the impact of regular yoga practice on aging students first hand and I can tell you that yoga makes a difference in immune function, cognitive ability, balance and confidence. If you have specific health challenges, like many of my students, the lovely thing about yoga is that it is easily adapted. Many of my older students have shoulder, knee, wrist, or hip issues. Most have arthritis. Yoga, practised mindfully and with an understanding of how to modify poses, allows for meaningful activity without pain or additional injury. Yoga supports not just our muscles, but also connective tissues such as the fascia. Yoga also helps to move synovial fluid in and out of our joints, which can ease arthritis discomfort.

A restorative yoga session 15-30 minutes long once a week can have a positive physical and emotional impact as we age. Modified sun salutations are also a great low impact, full body workout that can be done seated (and by those who use a wheelchair or walker) and without putting stress on our joints.

I have a yoga student that is almost 90 that was struggling with balance. Once a week seated low impact yoga with a focus on core strength, posture and breath has helped to noticeably improve his balance while walking. That being said, it is never too early in our aging journey to focus on maintaining balance and core strength!

Whatever kind of yoga you prefer to practice, consistency is really the key to supporting the physical changes that come with aging. Again, even 15 minutes once a week can have a huge impact. If you want to start a regular practice but struggle to find time, I would encourage you to check out my short daily live, online classes!

Additional information from Health magazine can be found here:
https://www.health.com/fitness/yoga-workout-anti-aging#:~:text=Yoga%20can%20provide%20benefits%20for,that%20suits%20your%20fitness%20level.