Yoga Prevents Fall-Related Injuries And In Turn Benefits Houston Elder Care

In the United States, falls are the leading cause of injury to seniors. Fall-related injuries often come with enormous personal and economic costs, and someone dies about every 20 minutes from injuries related to falling. Many older individuals will limit their activities due to a fear of falling, which can inadvertently reduce their quality of life. Less activity can lead to depression, isolation, and a decline in overall health.

Yoga can help prevent falls by improving balance, strength, range of motion, and flexibility. Most yoga studios offer classes for seniors for this very reason. You can start a daily practice at any age regardless of your experience level.

For individuals with little or no experience and people at risk of falling, it is a good idea to start out sitting in a chair. Chair yoga is popular with seniors that are still developing their balance and range of motion. Most poses are modifiable for people that are just starting out.

Another yoga style worth looking into is Hatha. Hatha yoga utilizes different poses and breathing techniques to help improve strength and flexibility while also reducing stress. Poses are held for several breaths with focus on proper form.

Whether you are considering Hatha, chair, or any other form of yoga it is important to talk to a healthcare professional first. After all, you are trying to prevent injury, so be sure to ask your doctor.

If you are new to yoga, it is a good idea to join the right dasS. Call up any yoga studio around you and let them know you want to try a beginner class. You Can also talk to them about any mobility or health concerns you may have so they can get you started with the best instructor for your skill level. Some other questions to ask include:

• Are mats provided or do we need to bring one?
• Are any other equipment needed for class?
• ls there a dress code?
• How much is each class?
• Do you have group rates or senior discounts?
• Are your instructors experienced with older clients?
• Do you have any senior only classes?

If going to a class is out of the question there are still ways that you can start a yoga practice. These days you can stream yoga from your computer or smartTV. You can also try yoga DVDs for older adults. YouTube is another resource to get in a yoga session. They have many free videos available, but you will have to deal with the occasional commercial. Keep in mind that doing yoga at home means you need to listen to your body and act accordingly. Pushing yourself too far too fast is dangerous, so ease into it.

Don’t let your age stop you from enjoying life and being active. If you want better balance and more strength, you have to work on it like everyone else. So go out and find a yoga class. Grab your best friend or go as a group, have fun with it.

Call or contact Assisting Hands Houston for more information.