6 reasons to take up yoga over 60

Turning 60 is a significant milestone and often marks the beginning of a new phase in how we look after both our physical and mental wellbeing.

With more time to prioritise health, many people start searching for ways to stay active that feel sustainable, enjoyable and supportive as the body changes with age – and yoga is an option that meets many of these needs.

Although yoga is often linked with extreme flexibility or youthful fitness culture, Isobel Palmer, yoga and pilates teacher and founder of LIM Studio, argues that this is not the case.

“When you google yoga, a lot of the time it can really look like a young person’s game when you see images of contortionistic poses, but yoga is actually something that is open to all,” says Palmer. “It’s never too late to start, and the benefits and community are for everyone.”

Here are six reasons why it might be worth rolling out a mat…

1. Improves balance

“There are so many different types of yoga, and in Vinyasa yoga you work on things like balance, which obviously is really important as we get older,” says Palmer.

Tess Jewell-Larsen, yoga therapist and member of The Therapy Directory, agrees and adds: “One of the biggest issues when we get older is falling because our bones become a little bit more brittle, so when we fall we’re more likely to hurt ourselves. But many yoga postures can help us feel more balanced in our body to help prevent this.”

The Warrior 3 pose is a particularly effective balancing posture.

“Warrior 3 is where you stand on one leg, lean forward and lift the back leg up in the air,” says Palmer. “When you first start, you might want to lean your hand on a block to help you with the balance, but eventually with practice you will be able to balance without it.”

Palmer is also a big fan of the Tree Pose.

“The Tree Pose is where you stand upright on one leg,” says Palmer. “If you are a beginner, you might start by staying on the ball of your foot with your heel up against your leg, then your foot might come up to your calf and eventually up to the inner thigh. It’s all about slowly building this up and practising these moments of stillness within balance.”

2. Boosts strength

“When you are working through different postures in a yoga class, you’re using your own body weight to strengthen your body,” says Jewell-Larsen. “Even just doing something like a squat will work different muscles in your legs, back and your core.

“Holding postures for longer periods of time can be really great at creating that strength-building within the physical frame of the body.”

Palmer agrees and adds: “You gain a lot of functional strength in yoga which can help make day-to-day activities, such as getting in and out of a chair and picking up the shopping, easier as you get older.

“Functional strength becomes particularly important for menopausal and postmenopausal women, as menopause weakens your bone density.”

3. Provides a community

“In yoga classes you will have people in their 60s and 70s doing their practice alongside someone in their early 20s and everything in-between,” says Palmer. “It’s so validating to be in a community where you’re all striving for the same goal.

“Before the class begins, you can chat to the teacher and your classmates, so many friendships are built within the studio.”

4. Is adaptable for all ages and abilities 

Yoga can be adjusted to suit different abilities.

“A good yoga teacher isn’t going to be like ‘get out of my class if you can’t touch your toes’,” says Jewell-Larsen. “Yoga can be adapted to all levels and it’s all about listening to your body and what you feel comfortable with. Let your teacher know where you are and highlight any injuries or conditions so they can provide adaptions.”

Extra equipment can also help make yoga postures easier.

“Things such as chairs, blankets, extra pillows and blocks can help make yoga accessible to everyone,” says Jewell-Larsen. “Even if you can’t get out of a chair, there are still things that you can do such as breathwork and mindfulness. Yoga isn’t just a physical form, it’s also a mental and emotional practice.”

5. Boosts confidence

“When you go to yoga classes regularly, it’s really gratifying because you’ll notice the difference in your flexibility and strength quite quickly,” says Palmer. “If you find a really supportive environment, you will be encouraged to try things that you wouldn’t ordinarily do.

“So many people start and say that they feel that their age has been restricting in what they can and can’t do in their day-to-day life, but then over time, yoga has helped them feel stronger and more limber, which in turn enhances their confidence.”

6. Helps relieve stress and tension

“This time of life can be quite stressful as there are a lot of changes. For example, maybe the kids have all left or maybe you’re thinking about leaving work,” recognises Jewell-Larsen. “Yoga is really good at helping people take a step back and become more attuned to their bodies so they can pick up on any anxiety or stress signals.

“Being mindful of your surroundings and your senses in practice and learning how to use your breath to calm your nervous system is a great tool that can be used in everyday life.”