Seniors Salute the Setting Sun - Yoga in the Golden Years

Yoga may be all the rage among the young and blossoming, but seniors are doing plenty of down-dogs and tree poses these days as well. With proven physical and mental health benefits, the over-the-hillers are finding that the gentle exertion and spiritual elements of yoga can bring a pleasant patina of relaxation and bodily peace to the day. And when other forms of high-impact exercise prove untenable, yoga's soft, flowing movements offer a valuable, enjoyable alternative.

One senior in Prescott, AZ, Barbara Poe, got so hooked on yoga she decided to pursue becoming an instructor, and at the vibrant age of 69 finished her Ashtanga training and began leading young and old alike in the recurring poses and calming chants of the ancient Indian tradition.

Says Barb: "I've always loved to exercise, but running and weights just weren't working for me. I was always sore, and felt bound up. In my retirement, I also started looking for something more spiritual. Yoga was the perfect thing. It's changed my worldview, my diet, my health. I can't recommend it highly enough."

And Barb's not alone. Places like Yoga Journey Productions and Ageless Yoga, as well as many others, offer special senior Yoga sessions and instructors, as well as DVDs to a growing silver set of yogi aspirants. And besides being good for you, going to yoga with those in your age group is a great way to feel comfortable doing something you might not be as proficient at as some chipper upstart.

So, if you're a senior, trade that "You go, girl!" for "Yo ga, granny!"

Photo via Ageless Yoga.