PROGRAM
NEED
Seniors living in assisted living centers cope with the
daily pains and stresses of advanced age; they also often
lack consistent opportunities for physical exercise, and
can at times even experience considerably low morale. Due
to limitations in finances and transportation resources,
many seniors feel they lack the freedom in their lives
they once enjoyed. In addition to
these numerous challenges, this population is also regularly
under-served and under-appreciated; yet, they also have
ample free time and a great willingness to learn, and therefore
are well-suited and open to the practice and study of yoga.
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PROGRAM GOALS
The short-term outcomes of this program are to provide
elders with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and joy
towards life by emphasizing attention and curiosity
in the present moment. Secondly, the yoga for seniors
classes create a space for building community amongst
like-minded people wishing to cultivate wellness
and deepen their overall self-awareness. And lastly,
these classes improve range of motion, and also bring
more ease and awareness of breathing in safe and
supportive ways. |
STUCTURE
OF CLASSES
Every
class begins with eye movement; works the body and spine
in forward, back, side, twisting, and balance
poses; and ends with a period of relaxation. The program
is designed to increase mobility, range of movement, strength,
balance, and mental sharpness. Self massage and pranayama
(breathing) exercises are incorporated into classes.
As many seniors rely on walkers and
some are in wheelchairs, and in order to make yoga accessible,
we have developed a series of poses done entirely in
chairs. We gently encourage the participants to challenge
themselves, develop curiosity, be safe, and to have fun. |
