Yoga for seniors gives them a fresh lease of life

Ilove teaching Yoga to elderly people. Here’s why. I feel I am earning double. The monetary benefits are secondary. The primary (and priceless) earning is the blessing that comes straight from their hearts and touches mine.

Sometimes you learn more than they do. They have a childlike attitude. They can be stubborn too, but by teaching them one starts developing patience.

In the beginning of my career, I worked for two months in a call centre which provided technical support to British telecom customers. There while speaking to some senior customers, I realised how lonely they were.They just wanted somebody to talk to, and being an executive, I had to listen patiently, with empathy. Slowly I started understanding their psychology and the emptiness they felt inside.

That experience really helps me in structuring my classes for seniors today. The whole plan revolves around offering a stress-releasing, lively and energy-rich environment where they find a friend and not just an instructor. The physical movements and postures are slow slow, often modified with inclusion of different breathing techniques.

Majority of them love doing Pranayama and laughter exercises. This is probably because they are able to release the pressure that has been building inside them for years.

Regular positive feedback is important because it ensures they are being given the attention they need and motivates them to do better.

In summary, elderly people need Yoga as much as young or middleaged people.

So gift Yoga to your parents, grandparents, relatives, friends or other family members and show them how much their health means to you.