‘Chair yoga’ could keep arthritic seniors more active

Low-impact exercises can help seniors stay active despite joint pain.

Published: by Interim HealthCare

Arthritis can greatly reduce seniors’ mobility, since it’s hard to stay active with joint pain. Exercise plays an important role in keeping seniors healthy. Though it may seem counterintuitive, moving sore joints can actually reduce pain when done correctly. Low-impact exercises, like chair yoga, could be the perfect solution.

According to a study from Florida Atlantic University, the practice of chair yoga decreased pain from osteoarthritis and improved patient mobility. These exercises can be done while sitting in a chair, or using a chair for balance while standing. The study’s participants attended two 45-minute chair yoga sessions a week for 8 weeks to see these results.

Other good forms of low-impact exercise include swimming or using an elliptical. For help finding the perfect low-impact workout for them, seniors should talk to their doctors.