The theme for the International Yoga Day this year was “yoga for healthy ageing”. With growing life expectancy, the idea is to encourage people to take up yoga practise as a means to stay healthy and independent as they get older. Yoga certainly is a holistic practise that is suitable for all age groups including those on the fascinating adventure called ageing. Seniors who take up yoga, albeit a bit late in life can accept any bodily changes not just with strength and balance but also with a smile if they cultivate a sense of humor!
Creaky Downward Dog is Alright!
Fresh seniors might find that along with the sounds of the inhales and exhales that is usual in a yoga class, they’re somehow the source of oohs, aaahs and sometimes even ouchs! On day one they are excited to be doing Sukshma Vyayama, the gentle joint rotations. The next day they’re mentally calculating the safest route back to standing from the forward fold! A few rounds of traditional Surya Namaskars on the mat and they are astonished at the creaking sounds. “Are these my joints really?!”
When the teacher guides them to get into the downward-facing dog asana, they realise their hips haven’t done a downward anything since half a decade! A suggestion to do ‘Naabhi Drishti’ (navel gaze), and there is a frantic search to find the spot, hidden under multiple folds of loose skin!! Questions not much connected to the Atman arise! “I am trying to be mindful but by the way, which side was I stretching?! Ah, the wind-releasing pose really works for me, but why is the rest of the class groaning?! Good lord, did I just snore in Shavasana?”
Can Yoga Alone Lead to Healthy Ageing?
With regular practise, the ageing body perks up nicely and there is a great sense of achievement at being able to stand in Vrikshasana (tree pose), for a full minute, even if it’s a simpler version. Yoga teaches us to pause, breathe, and be mindful. The bad news? Yoga cannot stop birthdays. Ageing is not only about the body. Not even the breath. Healthy ageing requires more than just being able to do downward dog and cobra, touching the toes, or remembering where the reading glasses are. The healthiest people are those who have a solid purpose in life. Without purpose, the mind, even in a healthy body can feel directionless.
As people move from being a noisy family to just a couple, their roles as parents and professionals that once defined them, change. Children move away, retirement arrives, time is plentiful. Feeling left out, irrelevant or getting bored can lead to unhelpful and undesirable thoughts. With purpose, however, life remains vibrant and joyful.
This pic depicts aspects of healthy ageing
Purpose Involves Doing Something To Help Others
It is better to realise a purpose late in life rather than never. In preparation, when a person touches the fifties’, they should become aware of what they have inside of themselves to contribute to others in terms of experience and wisdom. An awareness of what gives meaning to our lives and a reason to rise each morning is an essential discovery. If necessary, time and effort should be put into learning new skills that will keep one active and useful. When we are relevant to others, we feel valued and stay connected to the world around us. With yoga we may age gracefully but with a purpose we are truly healthy and alive.
As we become aware of our breath, we need to observe our thoughts, our habits, our actions, as well as inactions. This should lead to questions of Swadhyaya – how am I using my limited time on this planet? Can I learn a new skill, language, hobby, or technology? What and how much of myself can I put to use for others?
To Learn Is To Grow!
Hobbies like painting, gardening, music, photography, writing, pottery, and cooking allow for self-expression, create joy and connection with others. When older people create value for others by sharing their experiences through mentoring, teaching, coaching, or just being available to listen to others, they give deeper meaning and relevance to their own lives.
Not just on Yoga Day, but every single day, though a bit creaky in downward dog, let us make sure to bring a big smile of Purpose into our practise !!
Share your thoughts !
What do you think of the post above? Is there anything you agree or disagree with? Did it perhaps make you smile ?! Do share in the comments section below! Thanks much !
1 comment
very true,told in a very subtle manner