Yoga & Aging Part 3

With this being Part 3 on Yoga and Aging, I have decided to make Yoga & Aging an on-going series that I will add to every so often. This week, it's Part 3. If you'd like to read previous articles about this topic, visit here for Part 1 and here for Part 2.

Multiple scientific studies have shown that yoga can improve cognitive functioning in older adults. Yoga can help to improve memory and behavioral functioning (Hoy, et al).

As our lives nudge upon age 50 changes become more evident. Social scientist Arthur C. Brooks (2022), discussed how at about age 50 we start to process information differently than we did in our younger years. Those were the years we spent absorbing and applying all that we learned from the world around us. We are energetic sponges during these years.

Crystallized Wisdom

At about age 50 and beyond we launch into the next part of life by making changes that enhance our quality of life. That means that we take our learned expertise and begin to integrate it with our experiences. The result is what Brooks called crystallized wisdom. Brooks generalized quite broadly so this may not be true for every single person. It should be recognized that each person has different life circumstances. and so, is unique. Nonetheless, it is a good starting point to examine what we want to do at this next life stage. This stage that may last us until tomorrow or perhaps the next 50 years.

None of us knows how long this stage will last. That is, we have no idea when we will die. This is the time that we make the best out of each and every day. Use the wisdom we have accumulated and process it with the tools we have.

Embrace What You Have

Embrace what you have. We are so fortunate to have these wise "lived-in" bodies, minds, and spirits. So at this stage it is time to use it to the utmost. Whatever gifts we have, have gratitude for what is.

That is where yoga comes in. Yoga allows us to find peace within. Making peace with what is here now. As we find peace within our bodies and minds, our spiritual side may begin to find that peace too.

One of first rules for the aging yogi is to modify. If you can no longer do a pose due to age or injury we modify. For example, if you have hand or wrist issues, you don't want to do a complete downward facing dog, you use your forearms instead. The beauty of being older is that you have the opportunity to explore yourself on a deeper level -- physically and mindfully.

Never undertake any new movement until you have received permission from your doctor. Downward facing dog is one of the most common poses incorporated into the majority of yoga classes. It is a wonderful pose because it really helps you to become more body aware while stretching out key muscles throughout. It is a pose that is good for warming up, for resting, or for a transition to another pose. However, the contraindications for down dog are endless!

Contraindications include pregnancy, COPD, reflux disease, osteoporosis and injuries or surgeries to knee, shoulder, ankle, or wrist. Except for pregnancy the older yogi will likely have one of these contraindications. So what do we do? We modify! Below I show you how to take the load off the joints and still get the benefits of down dog.

The key here is lengthening the spine from the tailbone to the crown of the head. For pregnant, reflux, or COPD yogis, I can work with you to find the best way to give you the benefits of downward facing dog.

Resources:

Brooks, A. C. From Strength to Strength: Finding success, happiness, and deep purpose in the second half of life. Portfolio, 2022.

Hoy S, Östh J, Pascoe M, Kandola A, Hallgren M. Effects of yoga-based interventions on cognitive function in healthy older adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2021 May;58:102690. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102690. Epub 2021 Feb 19. PMID: 33618011.

Ongoing Offerings

Yoga nidra classes continue 7:30 ET Monday nights online. If you would like to participate in a yoga nidra class, but can't make it on Monday nights, please contact me to let me know what day/time works best for you. I am happy to form a class based on your own schedules. Contact me by using the form at the bottom of every page of my website.

Meditation & Yoga for Organizations

Using yoga and meditation techniques, I am available to support an organization's institutional mission and values tailored to the needs of employees. Meditation and yogic exercise have been shown to promote wellness that boosts employee morale, effectiveness, and productivity (Sheelu, Garg, & Rastogi, 2022). If you know someone who may be interested in setting up a meditation or yoga class for a retreat or as a regular amenity or employee benefit in their organization please forward this link to them.

Private Lessons

I continue my availability for face-to-face or online private meditation and yoga lessons.

You can read previous newsletters and blog entries if you go here.