Yoga and Meditation: Great for Optimal Brain Health!

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yoga and meditation

There are many excellent ways for seniors to get the exercise they need. Long strolls in the beautiful St. Petersburg weather, a journey down the Tampa Riverwalk, or a round of shuffleboard at sunset can all be safe ways for mature men and women to stretch their legs, get outside, and increase their heart rate. Recent studies have revealed a new contender for one of the best ways to maintain optimal brain health: yoga and meditation.

Yoga and Meditation for Seniors

You may have observed some of the crazy twists and bends that some yogis have demonstrated to the awe of onlookers. Sure, advanced moves like Taraksvasana (Handstand Scorpion) can be an astounding achievement of the body, but they are not necessary to get the benefits of yoga and meditation that boost brain health.

Gentle, beginner poses are just as effective at helping the brain and body as their somewhat extreme counterparts. For older bodies, these low-impact poses and mindful thinking are excellent for stretching the limbs as well as exercising the frontal cortex, where decision-making and memory are controlled.

  • Tree pose (Vriksasana)
  • Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
  • Low Lunge (Anjaneyāsana)
  • Bridge (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)
  • Thunderbolt (Vajrasana)
  • Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
  • Corpse Pose (Shavasana)

For aging bodies, be cautious not to push too hard. You should feel the stretch, but it should not be painful. You should also be sure to consult with a doctor just to make sure that your body can handle yoga and meditation.

Mindfulness and Excellent Care

Research has shown that meditation is “associated with decreased stress, decreased depression, anxiety, pain and insomnia, and an increased quality of life.” Yoga and meditation go hand-in-hand, and seniors looking to fight off Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other age-related diseases can see numerous benefits from the practice. Caregivers designated just for your loved one can encourage them to participate in physical activity, eat the right foods for a nutritious, wholesome diet, and take better care of their overall health.

If you have a loved one who could benefit from Clearwater home care, whether just on occasion or 24 hours a day, Home Care Assistance Tampa Bay is here to help. For more information about our services, call us today at 727-330-7862.

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