This is a guest post from Claire Wentz of Caring from Afar.
Exercise is important at any age, but staying active is especially vital as you get older. After retirement, it’s too easy to slip into a lazy lifestyle. Resist that urge. Staying active is not only good for your health, it will keep you independent longer.
Not only that, many people — especially women — struggle more with ADHD as they age. Plummeting estrogen levels during menopause can wreak havoc on your cognitive functions and intensify ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can provide an extra boost for your brain as well as your body.
Not sure where to start? Try yoga. Yoga is a low-impact and relaxing workout offering a plethora of benefits. It also promotes mindfulness while you’re moving your body, which may unlock the benefits of meditation for people with ADHD who have trouble sitting still.
Stay Limber and Keep Sharp
Your body naturally gets weaker as you age. This makes it especially important to keep moving. Don’t let the slow nature of yoga deceive you. It’s an excellent way to increase your mobility and strength.
Yoga also helps prevent falls. When one in three people over the age of 65 falls and gets injured, it’s important to do what you can to prevent this. Everyday Health recommends focusing on strengthening your muscles and increasing balance. Yoga does both, and its adaptable nature makes it the perfect workout for seniors.
Not only does yoga improve your physical health, it can boost your mental health, too. Meditation is a large component of yoga practice. It can reduce stress, lessen depression and anxiety, and keep you focused. Meditation increases gray matter in the areas of the brain most affected by ADHD, and may help fend off some of those “senior moments.”
Because it keeps your body strong and flexible and your mind sharp, there’s even evidence that yoga can slow the effects of aging.
Find Your Class
Don’t be nervous if you’ve never tried yoga before. The yoga community is incredibly welcoming, and there’s a large variety of classes that can be tailored to your skillset. Start by looking at your physical limitations and go from there.
Are you able to move easily from the floor to standing? If so, beginners yoga or senior yoga could be for you. If you worry about falling or can’t move that fast, try chair yoga. Or, if you could use some emotional support, recruit your dog! Dog yoga, or doga, is on the rise. Look for classes in your area so that you and your dog can have some fun while getting your workout in. Whatever your level of interest or mobility, there’s a yoga class out there for you.Of course, getting your pup to do yoga isn’t for everyone. Your body can benefit just from taking your pooch for a walk. In fact, walking is considered one of the best exercises for seniors. It can foster social bonds and encourage daily activity.
Talk to the Instructor
Don’t be shy around your yoga instructor. If it’s your first class, let them know. They’ll be thrilled to have a new student, and they’ll know to pay extra attention and help guide you. Remember, if they come around and make adjustments to your pose, it isn’t a critique, it’s a learning moment. Many poses require specific alignment for you to feel their benefits. Sometimes the slightest tweak can make all the difference.
Likewise, if you have any limitations, such as a bad leg or recent surgery, speak up. One of the many wonderful aspects of yoga is how adaptable it is. Most poses can be modified to accommodate our limitations. The instructor is there to ensure you are doing everything correctly and safely.
Bring It Home
Yoga doesn’t require much equipment and can be done from the comfort of your own home. However, don’t try this unless you’ve had some basic instructions first. Very Well Fit recommends taking several weeks of classes before you try it on your own. This will give you the opportunity to learn the basics and avoid injury. Then, all you have to do is clear out enough space, set up an online video to guide you, and get to work!
Start Stretching
With all the benefits yoga has to offer, there’s no reason not to do it. Look into classes at your community center, or call up local studios. Many of them offer classes designed for seniors and can help you find the perfect class for you. In just a few short weeks, you’ll be able to notice the difference.
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