Research published on April 3 confirms what may seem obvious: simple postures and breathing exercises can improve stability and balance in people over the age of 65.
American researchers at Temple Medical School in Philadelphia found that after two months of gentle yoga exercise, female pensioners showed real improvements in posture and strength.
They also had fewer falls - the leading cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions for retired men and women.
Improved leg flexibility and strength and a faster stride were other benefits reaped by older people with a regular, simple yoga practice.
After the nine-week programme - headed by Dr Jinsup Song, director of the Gait Study Centre at the School of Podiatric Medicine - all participants showed significant improvement in balance and stability. This was regardless of previous fitness levels.
The study is especially interesting because of the simple nature of the postures people were given: they took part in a basic regime that taught them how to breathe properly and made use of props such as chairs and cushions.
It makes absolute, glaring sense that older people - like everyone else - can benefit hugely from a regular yoga practice. It's heartening that a growing volume of research is reinforcing a still minority viewpoint.
Penny Chaplin, a London-based Iyengar yoga teacher, has some interesting comments about this research: click here
