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- Concentration
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- Arching the spine
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- Breathing and stretching
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- Knee lifts
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- Wrist rotation
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- Finger stretch
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- Eagle arms
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- Shoulder stretch
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- Quad strengthening
Today I presented a 90-minute workshop, Yoga for Falls Prevention, for the Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of British Columbia (COSCO). This was part of COSCO’s comprehensive series of health promotion workshops. (COSCO membership is $25.00. Visit their site for more information.)
All attendees participated with tremendous enthusiasm. We used our intention and attention to improve our breathing, balance, flexibility, and strength! Everyone particularly enjoyed the last pose, savasana, the purpose of which is to find stillness both outside and within. Although it sounds easy to sit still and relax, it’s actually one of the most difficult things to do!
After the experiential session, I talked about the the various ways in which yoga can help reduce the risk for falls. I also talked about the ways in which yoga can help alleviate a common concern in later life: social isolation and loneliness. One participant, Serge, said that doing yoga with other people gives him a stronger sense of community and connection. Indeed, it’s hard to deny that as we stretch and breath together, we all lift each other up!
