National Yoga Month is observed in September to educate the public about the health benefits of yoga and inspire a healthy lifestyle. The awareness campaign consists of yoga classes and other special events to celebrate the month and motivate people to practice yoga. Because of the physical and mental health benefits of yoga, Edgemere, a premier senior living community in Dallas, recently began offering Mind-and-Body Yoga. The 50-minute class is held three times a week and features poses, meditation and breathing exercises. Residents can choose to either stand or use a chair instead of completing poses on the floor. The class ends with relaxation and deep breathing concentrating on the present moment.

Pat Londeree has lived at the senior living community for 16 years and recently tried yoga for the first time in the community’s class. She says she’s already noticed an improvement in her ability to focus and balance. Additionally, she notes her posture has improved and she feels her muscles getting stronger.

“Yoga was always on my bucket list, so I’m glad to have the opportunity to try it out,” said Londeree. “After I started the class, I realized this is a wonderful form of exercise. I can see how it helps with balance and will even prevent falls. I am very calm and relaxed when I leave the class, and it gives me the pick-me-up I need for the day. The meditation and breathing exercises are beneficial. Yoga benefits overall health, and I am thankful the community started this class. I have tried many classes while I’ve lived at Edgemere, and this is definitely one of my favorites. I’m proud of myself for trying something new, and I look forward to attending additional classes in the future.”

Here are just six of the many benefits yoga has for seniors:

• Improves balance and stability
• Helps flexibility and joint health
• Enhances respiration
• Reduces high blood pressure
• Lessens anxiety
• Encourages mindfulness

“Residents have really enjoyed coming to class and experiencing something new,” said Charles Plafcan, fitness coordinator at Edgemere. “I choose movement that specifically challenges the resident’s balance, mobility and stability.  Yoga means “union” and the residents gain strength and flexibility combining the use of breath and mindfulness. With the option of standing or using the chair the residents receive the same health benefits. It’s been a great success, and we look forward to continuing yoga at the community.”