Yoga fighting the signs of ageing

Yoga isn’t just good for your physical health, it can hold back the ageing process too according to new research carried out in Yorkshire.

New research shows that weekly Yoga classes bring physical and health related improvements to older people with age-related conditions such as arthritis and dementia.

‘Adapted Yoga to improve physical function and health-related quality of life in physically-inactive older adults: A randomised controlled pilot trial’ reports that Yoga is an effective way for physically-inactive people aged over 60 years to become more mobile, while also improving their mental and social well-being.

The findings are the result of a three-month research study at Yorkshire Yoga and Therapy Centre, North Yorkshire by Northumbria University.

The centre organised and conducted classes at Yorkshire Yoga, Dene Park Community Centre, Bilton Youth Centre and the Greenfield Court care home in Harrogate. Fifty two people took part ranging from 63 to 92 years of age.

The British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) ‘Gentle Years Yoga’ programme was first developed by charity Yorkshire Yoga in 2009 to cater specifically for the needs of older people with age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, hypertension, dementia, and sensory impairment.

Adaptations to more challenging Yoga poses were developed so that older people with physical limitations could safely participate while still reaping the health benefits of Yoga. The aim of this recent study with Northumbria University was to confirm these benefits among a physically-inactive ageing population.

The study found the most commonly-cited physical benefits included improved mobility, for example, improved chair rising, walking ability, improved flexibility and reduced pain.

Mental health benefits included stress-relieving effects, improved mood and a reduced frequency of panic attacks. More than 70 per cent of participants said they liked the social interaction that the group exercise class provided and many said they had developed new friendships.

“There can be several barriers to exercise among people aged 60 or more, including personal issues such as pain and discomfort, fear of injury, and misconceptions about what’s appropriate,” explains Dr Garry Tew, who led the research from Northumbria University’s Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation.

“This Yoga programme may be appealing because its content is suitable for people with hip or knee replacements and long-term health conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

“Yoga is a holistic therapy, which has the potential to produce a range of physical and mental benefits. The apparent social benefits of this programme were also very interesting, with many participants saying they felt the classes gave them a new lease of life and made them feel less isolated.”

Barbara, one of the participants in the research, recently spent 18 weeks in hospital.

“The Yoga deep breathing exercises I learned in the Gentle Years Yoga class helped me to cope with the pain - more than anything else,” says Barbara.

“I’ve been having radiotherapy treatment for cancer and Gentle Years Yoga has certainly helped me,” said another research participant named Lena.

“The teacher Jenny, bless her, watches me like a hawk to make sure I’m okay during class. Even though the research study is over now, I continue going because I enjoy the Yoga class.”

The British Wheel of Yoga is the National Governing Body for Yoga recognised by Sport England and the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

“The British Wheel of Yoga is committed to building on this excellent research.,” says BWY Chair, Paul Fox.

“We are in the process of training as many yoga teachers as possible to deliver the Gentle Years Yoga programme. Yoga can play an important role in promoting health, wellness and quality of life among older members of communities across the UK.

“At a time when an ageing population is putting pressure on health and social care services, yoga can be a cost effective way of meeting this nationwide challenge.

“Our thanks to Northumbria University and the Yorkshire Yoga and Therapy Centre for their work”.