One of the things that make yoga such a popular practice is its convenience. Of course, the advanced stages of yoga may be hard to achieve by some people, but the basic principles can be utilized by any age category. For example, many Indians believe that an age of fifty years is perfect for yoga, because the accumulated experience will help them reach higher levels of consciousness. It is all how you approach your exercise program that makes the difference.

Yoga practices lean towards a greater unity between body and soul. Perspectives on life and ourselves tend to change as we advance in age. The spiritual side of the world receives more importance as we grow older - this forms an excellent foundation for elderly people to start practicing yoga. Some of the more acrobatic yoga poses are not advisable of course, but elders can successfully apply most of the breathing and relaxation techniques. This can certainly provide a sense of youthfulness and vitality.

Unfortunately our society is becoming less and less active, as far as physical movement is concerned. Many elders are affected severely by their sedentary lives in which television programs dictate most of the day's schedule. Their weakened muscles will become even weaker if they are not used for hours in a row. Some of the negative side effects of an inactive life style may include back pain, muscle cramps, weak bones, osteoporosis, joint pain and decreased mobility. The main problem is that all these can form a vicious circle in which the elder allows himself to get caught. Yoga may be the solution to the lack of determination and will power that can lead to such a poor life style. Yoga exercise for elderly people can provide a wide range of positive benefits even if practiced on a moderate basis.

It is important for elders to begin practicing yoga with gentle movements. The whole practice can consist of only warm up exercises for weeks or even months. Avoiding muscle strains or overexertion is always vital especially in the earlier stages. One of the most important principles of yoga practices for the elderly is gradualism. By taking yoga physical exercises step by step to a higher level they can enjoy strengthened muscles and better blood circulation. Yoga is known as one of the best techniques for massaging muscles and internal organs, a key factor in a healthy and strong organism. Apart from this, yoga also helps oxygenate blood vessels better. This translates not only in increased physical strength, but also in a sharp and focused memory and increased attention span. Many elderly people experience losses in these areas as the age increases and yoga can help reduce or reverse some of these effects.

While physical exercises may also be replaced by other forms of staying fit, such as gentle jogging or light gym exercises, there is a practice related to yoga that is absolutely vital. That is the practice of proper breathing. We are not even conscious of our breathing although it is what keeps us alive. Yoga practices rely heavily on breathing techniques that can improve energy and concentration.

Air is nourishment to our bodies just as much as food and drink. Air gives our blood stream the supply of oxygen it must have in order to feed itself so that it may, in turn, feed the tissues, nerves, glands and vital organs. Without it our skin, bones, teeth and hair could not remain in condition. Our digestion—the process of utilizing the food we eat—fails at once without a proper supply of oxygen to the blood. Even our thinking processes are slowed down without intake and exhalation of fresh air—which is the reason mental sluggishness overtakes us in an ill-ventilated room.

The average human being breathes over 20,000 times a day - imagine the potential benefits that can be drawn from improving each breath even by 1%. Deep and controlled breathing will help any elder face the problems of old age with a more positive and relaxed attitude.

You don't have to spend years and years of practice in order to enjoy the benefits of yoga. On the contrary, many elders feel that this is not hard work - it is fun! When practiced correctly yoga is safe and it brings with it numerous positive changes that can turn into joy and vitality no matter what your age is.