Learn to turn back the years

It’s not a stretch to believe yoga has incredible benefits for ageing bodies, says

EVELYN Buchanan is 74 years of age but people rarely believe her when she tells them. “I actually get embarrassed when people say I don’t look my age. And I am certain it is because of the yoga,” she says.

Evelyn attends an over 50s yoga class. Unlike many other physical activities, which can place a lot of strain on a maturing body, yoga – at the right level – is ideal for people in their 50s and beyond.

“It is so important to find the right class,” says Evelyn, who attended several “quite competitive” classes before chancing upon the over 50s get-together. Run by Pol Mollan, the class at the Yoga Meditation Healing Centre in Glasgow has a gentle approach, avoiding undue strain.

And his attitude to ageing is also refreshing. Far from feeling redundant, he believes ageing is an opportunity to “use the wisdom of our years to create a positive change and start doing something new to improve or enhance our quality of life and wellbeing”.

The stretches and twists associated with the discipline are still part of the weekly session, along with meditative segments as well, but it is all done lying or sitting – and the instructor encourages people to stop and move out of position if they feel it is all too much.

“Pol’s class is wonderful. There is a smoothness to the class, it is almost choreographed,” adds Evelyn.

Yoga is said to be beneficial in later years on several levels. It increases flexibility, strength, circulation, breathing and even bone density. But the mental aspects are also important to those attending the class.

One of Evelyn’s classmates is 66-year-old Janet Fabb. She has a neurological condition that makes movement in her legs problematic. While the stretching, postures and breathing have indeed helped her mobility – she has discarded the walker she once used – it is the mental improvement that she values the most.

“When I first went I couldn’t even lift my legs one at a time. Now I can – it’s not easy but I can do it. So I have had huge benefits from being more flexible.

“But everything is easier as I am more accepting of myself and what I am able to do. The class teaches you that it is about how you react to physical conditions.

“It led me down a path whereby I used the meditative aspects to become more focused and peaceful.”

For Janet, getting in and out of the “not particularly accessible” class itself is a challenge as there are two short flights of steps to negotiate. But the atmosphere is congenial and people are happy for her to make her way at her own pace until the class starts. “It’s the best £6 I spend each week, that’s for sure!” she laughs.

Over 50s Yoga, Tuesdays 10am to 11.15, 4 Lansdowne Crescent Yoga Meditation Healing Centre, £6 per session, beginners welcome.

For more information, just go to www.yogameditationandhealing.co.uk

Everything is easier as I am more accepting of myself and what I’m able to do