The Role of Yoga in Reducing Falls and Stiffness in Later Life

"Staying mobile as we age isn't just about movement. It's about confidence - knowing you can get out of a chair without wobbling, walk across a room without reaching for support, or step into the shower without the fear of falling. For many older Australians, this confidence fades slowly. A bit of stiffness in the hips, a little less balance, muscles that don't recover the way they used to. Then one day it becomes easier to stay put than to get moving."

"One in three Australians over 65 experiences a fall each year. Not all are serious, but even minor incidents can shake confidence. Often it's not a single injury that causes trouble - it's the cycle that follows. Fear of falling leads to less movement. Less movement leads to more stiffness and muscle loss. That, in turn, increases the risk of falling again."

Mobility decline in older adults often follows a cycle: falls or fear of falling reduce movement, leading to stiffness, muscle loss, and higher fall risk. Slow, deliberate yoga movements improve body awareness, joint control, and spinal alignment while breathing techniques support nervous system regulation and calm. Chair-adapted holds and balance-focused sequences build ankle and hip stability. Regular practice can restore confidence, reduce fear, and improve functional tasks like rising from a chair or stepping into a shower. Programs require gradual progression, individual adaptation, and supervision for safety among frail participants.

Read at https://www.arogyayogaschool.com/blog