Yoga for elderly people
Research has found that yoga for elderly people, above the age of 60, could possibly help prevent falls. Yoga was linked to slight improvement to balance and some improvement to mobility.
The researchers analysed six trials, with a total of roughly 300 participants, both men and women age 60 and older. They were looking at the effect of physical yoga on balance among the participants. The programs tended to include 60 to 90 minutes of yoga once or twice weekly for a total of two to six months.
Read more about this via the Business Standard.
Improving balance and mobility
The improvements to mobility included increased walking speed and the ease of getting out of a chair. However, the most interesting effects were to people's balance.
"To train balance, you need to undertake activities that challenge your balance and to perform these activities a standing position." - Business Standard
Although yoga proved to help in areas such as mobility and balance, which when poor can contribute to falls in the elderly, there isn't evidence yoga reduces the risk of falls. The study did not measure subsequent health events or falls after the yoga trials, so more research would need to be done in this area.
Exercise classes available
For elderly people who are able, yoga can be beneficial both physically and mentally. The mindfulness practice in yoga can help the physiological fear of suffering a fall, when people over 60 start to notice a decline in their mobility and balance.
If a health professional thinks its okay for an older person to take part in yoga there are lots of classes and groups to join. Check with your local doctors surgery, community centre and day centre for elderly people to find yoga classes and instructors.
Alongside engaging in some physical activity like yoga for elderly people, your client, patient or loved one may find peace of mind with a personal alarm. In the event of a fall there is a plan in place for the user to get help - just by activating the Telecare pendant. You can order one of our alarm pendants online, or over the phone on 0800 635 7000.
