| ext">Flexibility is considered to be a by | | | | results could be life threatening. |
| product of Yoga practice, but in the case of Chair | | | | Chair Yoga offers a significant number of balancing |
| Yoga, it is often down played or taken for | | | | exercises. Although balance can be affected by |
| granted. Since most Chair Yoga enthusiasts are | | | | medication, inner ear problems, and more, many |
| seniors, the true value of flexibility is mobility. | | | | seniors show much improvement in balancing their |
| When you consider that mobility for seniors can be | | | | bodies within weeks of their first Chair Yoga class. |
| the difference between dependence and | | | | Therefore, flexibility and balance are a significant part |
| independence, flexibility is now of extreme value. | | | | of an injury prevention package that can improve, or |
| The following is an observation I have made after | | | | enhance, the quality of life for seniors. This fact has |
| working with groups from assisted living complexes, | | | | been realized by seniors who flock to Chair Yoga |
| adult day care centers, nursing homes, and seniors | | | | classes on a daily, or weekly, basis. |
| centers. The average mobile senior citizen is much | | | | Most of us realize that physical conditioning is not the |
| more flexible in the hips, spine, wrists, and shoulders, | | | | only factor involved in dependence. There are a |
| than his or her dependent counterpart. | | | | number of disabling diseases that can affect any one |
| Just crossing the legs can be difficult for the clients I | | | | of us and have nothing to do with lack of flexibility. |
| work with in a nursing home. Students in Chair Yoga | | | | Lack of flexibility is not the single overriding factor |
| classes learn a variety of exercises that will free | | | | involved in independence for seniors. |
| up many of the major joints. Many students also | | | | However, it is a fact that less mobile, and frail, |
| remark how pain, from a variety of ailments, is much | | | | seniors will become confined. |
| more manageable, after practicing Chair Yoga. | | | | Hence, most seniors should make an effort to stay |
| Increased range of motion makes a difference, when | | | | flexible, for what is ultimately their own dignity at |
| reaching for anything. It also helps to prevent injuries | | | | stake. You could look at your physical condition as an |
| that can occur from strain or a possible fall. If a | | | | insurance policy for independent living. |
| senior falls, there is certainly the potential that the | | | | |