Alison Irwin

Photos by Peter Hares

My personal journey with yoga started when I was in elementary school , tagging along with my mom to her weekly community yoga class . With this early-established interest in health and well-being practices , I continue to follow the yoga path throughout my life . Five decades later , my experience with yoga has become even more enjoyable and beneficial .

The ancient Indian practice of yoga traces back over five thousand years . It has stood the test of time , and has become one of the most popular regimes to support a healthy lifestyle for an aging population . Yoga offers a complete package for physical , mental , and emotional health by focusing on physical postures , breathing exercises , and meditation .

The word “ yoga ” comes from the Sanskrit root word yuj , meaning to join or to yoke . Yoga represents the connection — or union — between body , mind , and heart . The mindful practice of yoga offers the opportunity to cultivate a more positive relationship with all parts of ourselves as we navigate the aging process . Research shows that a positive attitude toward aging can extend our life span up to 7.5 years .

Other studies indicate that older adults who follow a regular yoga practice can help stave off the signs of premature aging .

A yoga practice is just the ticket to address many of the predictors of longevity — from improved strength , balance , and flexibility to enhanced overall well-being and daily stress management .

The benefits of yoga are vast . One of the greatest benefits is the positive effect yoga has on stress and depression management . Stress is the number one factor in premature aging .

Chronic stress is when the “ all clear ” signal is unable to get through to the body . The system remains flooded with the stress hormone cortisol . Elevated levels of cortisol cause cellular inflammation , which is the primary cause of all degenerative diseases .

The slow , mindful quality of the movements of yoga and the deep breathing exercises allow the central nervous system to come into balance , and endorphins — or our feel-good hormones — are released . This provides the perfect combination for stress relief and depression management .

As we age , our body requires special care and attention . Yoga offers a safe , non-competitive environment to explore our physical strengths and limitations .

Yoga is invaluable for strengthening the big muscle groups , keeping joints supported and supple , and keeping bones strong . It provides the body

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