The Yoga for Seniors “Continuum of Practice”

Abstract

Yoga enthusiasts are typically pictured as young, fit, and flexible; yet the reality is that more than a third of Americans who practice yoga are 50 years and older. Health benefits are a main reason why seniors practice yoga, as a growing body of evidence suggests yoga can enhance health and reduce the risk of numerous age-related disorders. Yet, like any therapeutic intervention that offers benefits, yoga practice also carries potential risks, which may be heightened in vulnerable populations such as older adults. This article outlines essential safety considerations developed in the Integrative Yoga for Seniors Professional Training offered at Duke Integrative Medicine, and details the Continuum of Practice, which is a tool we created to help yoga teachers and yoga therapists skillfully translate evidence-based movement considerations into safe, effective, and enjoyable variations of classic yoga postures.