Evidence of yoga benefits at old age

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi Guys,

I?m interested in effect of yoga (just asanas at the moment) on mobility and quality of life at old age. From what I understand, there is a hypothesis that dedicated, years long practice may prevent age related disability and enable self-dependent life till end (being able to take care of yourself, clean/work around the home and go out and participate in social life). I guess people who got into practice in 60s should be now 60-80 years old and I was wondering how it affected their life. Do you know any proper studies investigating this question (population studies, not anecdotal evidence)? I will have a look myself but I thought I will ask you first, knowing that there are so many professionals here.

#2

The lady that I took teacher training from has been doing and teaching yoga for over 40 years. She’s 61 now. I did a class with her in which we did 107 sun slutations. She can also do a handstand while lecturing students on the proper alignment.
Proper studies? I’m sure they exist.

#3

pawel, this might give you some evidence :slight_smile: http://www.zimbio.com/member/Adreeza/articles/5935161/Get+Inspired+Yoga+Grandma+Still+Fit+83

#4

I haven’t found any studies on longterm yoga practice.
The following are the closest that may be relevant to your question.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16454146

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21937898

And: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20105062

#5

The BBC aired a four episode show called, ‘Inside the Human Body’ where on episode four that had a woman who was 100 years old. She performed asana every morning followed by thirty minutes of walking on her rooftop. She seemed much clearer and healthier then my own grandma who is twenty years younger.

Perhaps you could check Scirus

http://www.scirus.com/srsapp/search?q=yoga+aging&t=all&sort=0&g=s

This link obviously already contains search criteria but play with it however you want.

#6

Thanks for info guys, I think I will slowly start a search myself.

Trivia, those articles are close, especially “Effects of a yoga program on postural control, mobility, and gait speed in community-living older adults: a pilot study”. Shame its so small and short (8 weeks).

I was thinking about cultural aspect of this problem. My friend from Sri Lanka told me that in most places people would frown if you would start jogging on the street (and consider this as oddity and waste of time). In Australia for example, people would think rather that such person is doing something commendable (that is, physical activity is a value). So I guess due to culture, its easier to exercise and be fit in Australia than in Sri Lanka. Similarly, I’m thinking what aspect of the culture would have to change in order to create some social pressure for elderly people to exercise more (and “pre-elderly” to start serious exercise to prevent age related disabilities). Scientific research would be one thing - recommendations from “health authorities” have some effect (other than TV shows and dramas - if scenes with elderly people would be shot at gym it would have some impact on audience).

Regarding this article about 8 week intervention. It doesn’t seem to have much psychological impact - the fact that after few weeks I could get up 1sec faster than before doesn’t seem so great. I imagine a study that would show that after few years of regular practice, elderly people from intervention group can do things like Mrs Calman (from the link from CityMonk). That would be a great message…

#7

http://yogapsychologyandmeditation.com/publications.html

Many articles here.

#8

[QUOTE=Pawel;66877] So I guess due to culture, its easier to exercise and be fit in Australia than in Sri Lanka. .[/QUOTE]

i would think that Sri Lnaka people do more manual labor…and jogging after picking the tea all day long would be…hmmm at least strange;)

#9

I know some people practicing at an older age and who are very happy with the effects of yoga. I also know yoga-teachers, still teaching yoga postures with 65 or older. At this age they practice “yoga on the chair”, so that the exercises are suitable for people with reduced mobility.

#10

Hi yogam,
How is it in Germany with physical activity of older people? For example, this 65 or older people in “yoga chair” group, did they join because of personal interest in yoga, suggestion of family/friends/doctor, need to socialize?

#11

[QUOTE=Pawel;67277]Hi yogam,
How is it in Germany with physical activity of older people? For example, this 65 or older people in “yoga chair” group, did they join because of personal interest in yoga, suggestion of family/friends/doctor, need to socialize?[/QUOTE]

Hi Pawel,

i think the physical activity of older people in Germany is good developed. It is even supported by the government and the health insurances.
But the people i know practice it of own interest. This is because yoga have many benefits for the body and mind, and most of all it keeps us healthy.
And yes, often doctors suggest yoga or yogatherapy.

#12

My mom, who is 68 years old, just started yoga about 4 months ago. I finally got her to do it after she witnessed the amazing effects that yoga has had on my lower back problems. Like me, she is incredibly tight but has come to enjoy yoga. She now says she “can’t imagine life without it.” I am so proud of her.

#13

[QUOTE=Penelope;68108]My mom, who is 68 years old, just started yoga about 4 months ago. I finally got her to do it after she witnessed the amazing effects that yoga has had on my lower back problems. Like me, she is incredibly tight but has come to enjoy yoga. She now says she “can’t imagine life without it.” I am so proud of her.[/QUOTE]

I’m happy to hear that. I wish more elder people would get physically active and start practice like your mum. Good luck to both of you!