Blog

If you are over 50 and you don’t practice yoga, you should reconsider. While it may be intimidating to start practicing at such an old age, the benefits far outweigh any excuse not to do it. Take a look at some ways yoga can improve the health of seniors.

1. Lower blood pressure.

More than half of all Americans over the age of 50 suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure. Hypertension can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, and is responsible for 1,000 deaths per day. Thankfully, regularly practicing yoga has proven to lower blood pressure.

2. Strengthen bones.

Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone density, causes your bones to become fragile and more susceptible to fracture. If you are over the age of 50, there is a 55% chance you already have osteoporosis. Yoga is a safe activity for those with osteoporosis, and can help slow down bone density loss.

3. Keep weight under control.

Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just good for your heart, it’s good for your joints too. Every pound of bodyweight you add equates to three pounds of added pressure on the knees. Doing yoga for one hour everyday can burn more than 2,000 calories per week!

4. Build a better sense of balance.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, with an incident occurring nearly every 11 seconds. Yoga can prevent these falls by developing your balance and strengthening the stabilizer muscles in your lower body.

5. Keep your mind sharp.

It’s no secret that as we age, our cognitive function tends to decline. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, some research suggests yoga and meditation may play a role in prevention and improving symptoms.

OSG is southern Connecticut’s largest and most experienced orthopedic practice. Our team of licensed physicians offer a comprehensive range of treatments designed to fix virtually any bone or joint in your body. With six convenient locations throughout Fairfield County, help is never far away. Request an appointment online, or call (203) 337-2600.