Stretching and Yoga for Seniors

Here's a great article on the benefits and exercises for seniors.

http://www.stretching-exercises-guide.com/exercises-for-seniors.html

Stretching Exercises for Seniors Summary

1. Warm up briefly prior to stretching
2. Avoid bouncing or ballistic stretching
3. Hold each stretch for 60 seconds for maximum benefit
4. Breath deeply and relaxed as you lean into a stretch
5. Avoid pain
6. Be aware of spinal posture

Can Yoga Help?

Amongst a group of 16 community dwelling female seniors, three 70 minute sessions of yoga over a course of four weeks resulted in the following(7):

• decreased body fat percentage
• decreased systolic blood pressure
• improved balance
• improved shoulder range of motion
• reduced incidence of sleep disturbance