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Yoga for Older Adults: Gentle Exercises for Mind and Body

November 28, 2025

As we age, maintaining flexibility, balance, and peace of mind becomes even more important. Yoga offers a simple, low-impact way to stay active, centered, and connected both physically and mentally.

At Sage Health, we offer yoga for older adults near you as part of our wellness programs. These classes are designed for every ability level, helping older adults build strength, reduce stress, and improve mobility. If you’re ready to take the next step in your wellness journey, contact a primary care physician and become a Sage Health patient.

a yoga instructor showing how to do chair yoga to a class of older adults

Benefits of Yoga for Older Adults

Yoga is more than just stretching it’s a holistic practice that combines gentle movement, breathing, and mindfulness. The benefits of yoga for older adults extend far beyond flexibility:

  • Improves balance and stability, helping prevent falls.
  • Strengthens muscles and joints while being easy on the body.
  • Boosts mood and reduces stress, thanks to deep breathing and meditation.
  • Encourages better sleep and energy levels.
  • Promotes mindfulness, which supports emotional well-being.

Sage Health’s yoga classes are designed to make these benefits accessible to everyone. We also host community events for older adults, including yoga and wellness activities see our event schedule here.

Getting Started with Yoga at Sage Health

Starting yoga doesn’t require experience or special equipment. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a mat (or use a chair if needed), and most importantly listen to your body.

Our Chair Yoga and Silver Sneakers Exercise Classes are great options for beginners, combining gentle movements with guided breathing. You can try these in person at our centers or at one of our community events for older adults. Check upcoming sessions.

Contact a primary care physician and become a Sage Health patient to learn how personalized wellness plans can help you stay active and independent.

5 Yoga Exercises for Older Adults

You can enjoy these five yoga poses for older adults right from home or at your local Sage Health class. Each movement can be modified to fit your comfort level.

1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Relax your shoulders, lift your chest, and take deep breaths.

Benefits: Improves posture, strengthens legs, and encourages balance.
Tip: Hold onto a wall or chair for added support.

chair yoga excercise mountain pose

2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

Place your hands on your hips, then shift your weight onto one foot. Rest the other foot lightly against your ankle or calf (never on the knee).

Benefits: Builds balance, strengthens hips, and improves focus.
Tip: You can do this near a wall for support.

chair yoga excercise tree pose

Join a Sage Health yoga class or community event to practice balancing poses safely sign up here.

3. Chair Pose (Utkatasana)

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and slowly bend your knees as if sitting back into an invisible chair.

Benefits: Strengthens legs, glutes, and core while improving stamina.
Tip: Use an actual chair for a supported version perfect for beginners.

chair yoga excercise chair pose

Contact a primary care physician and become a Sage Health patient to access safe, guided yoga sessions for all levels.

4. Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)

While seated or on your hands and knees, alternate arching and rounding your back to stretch your spine.

Benefits: Increases flexibility, improves posture, and relieves stiffness.
Tip: This gentle flow is ideal for loosening up in the morning.

chair yoga excercise cat cow stretch

5. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

Sit on a chair or mat with your legs extended. Gently reach forward, keeping your back straight.

Benefits: Stretches the hamstrings and back while calming the mind.
Tip: If needed, place a small pillow under your knees for support.

chair yoga excercise seated forward bend

These 5 yoga exercises for older adults can be practiced daily to build strength and peace of mind.

The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Yoga

Beyond physical health, yoga encourages self-awareness and emotional calm. Deep breathing and mindfulness help reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and promote inner peace.

Sage Health’s classes are designed to foster both body and mind wellness and we regularly host free yoga and wellness events for older adults. View our full calendar.

Join a Yoga Class at Sage Health

Whether you’re trying yoga for the first time or want to build on your practice, Sage Health makes it easy to get started. Our yoga for older adults near you combines gentle exercise with a supportive community environment.

We also offer Chair Yoga, Silver Sneakers classes, and other group fitness opportunities designed to help you move, connect, and thrive.

Contact a primary care physician and become a Sage Health patient to discover how yoga can become part of your personalized care plan.

Don’t forget our community events for older adults are free to join and open to everyone. Sign up today!

FAQ

What are the benefits of yoga for older adults?

Yoga helps improve balance, strength, and flexibility while promoting calmness and mental clarity.

What are easy yoga poses for older adults?

Begin with Mountain Pose, Tree Pose, or Chair Yoga. These poses are gentle, effective, and easy to modify.

Can older adults do yoga safely?

Absolutely! Yoga can be safely practiced at any age with proper guidance and modifications. Sage Health’s instructors specialize in supporting older adults at every skill level.

Where can I find yoga for older adults near me?

You can join a Sage Health yoga class or wellness event see the latest schedule here.

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