Aging is something everyone goes through. It’s the process of getting older and has always been associated with the poor health of both our physical and mental well-being, resulting in well-needed specialized care for the elderly and weak.
However, that is not the case. Aging may be inevitable, but it does not mean we have to go through the hassle of phasing all the stigmas that go with it.
The phrase ‘age gracefully’ tells us all we need to know about how life can be lived to the fullest, even when we reach an age where people may think otherwise.
A positive outlook on life would help steer individuals into a good attitude and strengthen their hearts. One way to achieve this is by surrounding yourself with positivity and aiming to keep yourself physically healthy with exercises and yoga.
What is yoga?
Yoga is a practice developed thousands of years ago. It strengthens the body and mind while promoting better blood circulation. It involves different poses, stretches, and breathing exercises.
Yoga is safe for people of all ages, regardless of ability levels. In fact, it is a great way to keep their body and mind strong and healthy without joint and muscle stress.
It’s important to note that there are both mild and stressful yoga poses. So, if at any time you feel any pain or discomfort, stop that specific pose and talk to the hired specialist about what can be done.
Several yoga poses can reduce the body’s aging process and prepare you for old age. Some of these poses include:
1) Lion pose (Simhasana)
Benefits
The lion pose helps improve blood circulation to the face, reducing the chances of wrinkles and skin quality.
- Reduces tension and stress on the face and chest area.
- Eliminates age-related stiffness.
- It helps the thyroid glands function better.
- Maintains the platysma’s (throat muscle’s) firmness.
How to perform the lion pose?
Place your thighs on your lower legs. Have your left and right legs separated from each other. Now, place your legs on your heels and hips above your knees. Lean forward and place your palms between your legs. Lengthen your spine straight. Inhale deeply through your nose with your stomach expanding. Open your mouth and make a ‘haa’ sound when exhaling while pointing your tongue towards your chin. Keep your eyes open and focused on the tip of your nose.
2) Warrior pose (Virabhadrasana)
Benefits
- Improves balance
- It helps fight fatigue and boosts energy.
- Strengthens your thighs, calves, ankle muscles, back, arms, and shoulder area.
- Improves posture by counteracting the side effects of prolonged sittings.
How to perform the warrior pose?
Stand straight. Step your right foot forward. Bend your front knee 90 degrees and your back foot at a 45-degree angle. Your thigh should be parallel to the floor with the right outer hip pinned back. Raise your arms to the sky. Put your hip forward and arch your back forward. Push your heels and hips down towards the floor. Put your arms down. Then rest. And do the same position, but with your left leg forward this time.
3) Downward facing dog pose (Adho Mukha Shvanasana)
Benefits
- Improves digestion (which often worsens during aging)
- Improves blood circulation
- Strengthens wrists, arms, and shoulders
- Reduces anxiety
How to perform the downward-facing dog pose?
Bring your hands and knees on the floor. Position your wrists under your shoulders and knees directly underneath the hips. Spread your fingers wide. Inhale.
Exhale as you lift your knees off the mat. Have your hips face the ceiling—spine in a straight downward slope. Arms should be straight with hands still on the ground. Slowly come down from that position and rest.
4) Standing forward bend pose (Uttanasana)
Benefits
- It prevents inflexibility of the spine that comes with old age.
- It’s relaxing and stress-relieving.
How to perform the forward bend pose?
Stand and bring your feet slightly apart. Raise your hands to the sky. Slightly bend your knees and slowly fold your torso over your legs while depending on your hands from your sides for support. When your torso reaches downward, put your hands on the ground or next to your feet. Lengthen your spine. Pull your ribs slightly forward as you inhale. Fold down as you exhale.
Conclusion
Aging is not as bad as society makes it, especially in today’s era, where health care is accessible with a simple phone call and a click of a button. Our senior years should be one of the best years of our lives. It’s a time when we can relax and let go of our responsibilities. By living a healthy life with proper food and exercise, we can be reassured that our present and future will go along smoothly and with little to no hassle.
Written by John Wilson
Published by International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
