The Effect of yoga on Body , mind and soul for the Elderly Population

What is Yoga ?

Yoga is a combination of both mind and body practice and traces its origin to the ancient Indian philosophy. The practice involves meditative movements helpful for health purposes.

There are various styles and forms of employed , which include breathing techniques, physical postures, relaxation or meditation, and distinct philosophy. Some of the examples practiced under these are, namely, ananda, ashtanga, anusara, kundalini, viniyoga, Bikram and Kripalu among other. in the United States and Europe, the common from of yoga practiced is the hatha yoga that emphasizes meditation, breathing, and postures Birdee & Legedza , 2009).Fundamental challenge if raging is the non-communicable diabetes, sciatica, arthritis, ischemic, and hypertension. studies, on the other hand , have projected that there would be a high percentage of elderly across the globe, especially in India and Asia by the year 2025 (Bower, 2010). The author further explains that a carefully adopted set if yoga poses and practices are necessary to reduce the pain occasioned by these ailments of the aged. The adverse effects if the ailments to the aged, Bower (2010) explains is the low Quality of Life (QOL),which is characterised by pain, fatigue, and impairment of mobility. For instance ,Birdee & Legedza (2009) indicate “….epidemiological studies have reported a high ptorevalence of psychiatric disorders like depression and dementia in the elderly, ranging from 9% to 35%(p.1654). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) adversely affects the quality of life in the elderly. Such effects include; sleep disturbances, insomnia, restlessness, excessive daytime sleepiness, nighttime awakening, periodic, leg movements, and snoring. Yoga therefore, comes in as a body and mind intervention used for its therapeutic potential to the elderly.

Studies indicate that American population of roughly 15.8 million, which constitutes 6.9% of her entire population practice different forms if yoga, Moreover, a sizeable proportion still indicates the willingness to take it up in future (Bower, 2010). Thus , yoga is practiced largely across the globe for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Why Yoga is good for Your Health?

The approach of any medical system for elderly woman and men needs to address to the physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual aspects of life. Not satisfied with allopathic medications and the threat of serious side effects ever looming large in their minds, the elderly women and men have begun to use the complementary medical systems as a viable alternative to address to their health problems. including Yoga, physical therapy, diet and aromatherapy

Research suggests that yoga therapy is a viable gentle physical activity option with a variety of health – related quality of life, psychological and physical symptom management benefits. Diet and nutritional therapy on the other hand, has shown solid evidence as an alternative medicine to reduce the symptoms of chronic diseases in elderly population.