Mutual Benefits, a Stronger Relationship: Yoga and Meditation for Seniors and Caregivers

Stress and anxiety are part of everyone’s life regardless of age. Seniors and caregivers experience and must cope with them in their own ways, which can be difficult and complicated given the intimate relationship that older adults and their caregivers often have. Coping is a personal matter, and finding the right strategy is important. 

Yoga and meditation are empowering and liberating disciplines that are well-known for helping in the alleviation of stress for people of all ages. In fact, yoga is so effective at lowering blood pressure and alleviating anxiety that many doctors are prescribing it for their older patients. Knowing how to get started can be difficult for the uninitiated. Here are a few ideas courtesy of Mississippi Heroes that can help beginners get started on the right foot. 

Learning yoga and how to meditate effectively is a process, and patience is needed. The best way to get started is to enroll in a beginner-level class taught by an instructor who has experience working with older adults and adapting yoga routines to the needs of older students, particularly those whose flexibility isn’t what it once was. For a group class at a yoga studio, you can expect to pay about $12 for one session with an experienced and certified instructor.

Spend some time getting to know different instructors, and talk with them about how they approach teaching yoga to senior beginners. As you do, bear in mind that an instructor should always monitor students on an individual level, making sure that they’re safe and deriving the maximum benefit from this healing, meditative discipline. The social engagement that a yoga class provides and the inner peace the practice of yoga confers can have a powerfully restorative effect on seniors and the caregivers who spend so much time helping them thrive and maintain a good quality of life. 

You may be surprised to learn that you can save on yoga classes if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Many MA plans offer seniors membership to the SilverSneakers program which can provide access to fitness facilities that offer yoga classes.  

Before practicing what you learn from instructional aids, create a space where you can practice in comfort and without distraction. Clearing out a room will help declutter your living environment, which is conducive to relaxation and stress-relief. If necessary, place larger household items (such as furniture and large boxes) into a storage facility.  

Seniors and caregivers who practice meditation and yoga together can forge a closer bond and a deeper understanding of each other that will help strengthen the relationship. It’s a mutually supportive tie that helps both of you get the most out of the experience. And while yoga as a standalone practice has many benefits, you can enhance these benefits by practicing healthy habits like eating a balanced diet and getting sufficient sleep. 

The mental and physical benefits of yoga and meditation can help seniors achieve more robust health and maintain mental acuity, and help caregivers relieve much of the stress that goes with that responsibility. The senior-caregiver relationship is important for both parties - meditating and doing yoga together can help each of you provide emotional support and encouragement.