Yoga Moves Seniors to Happy Places

By: Joan Riise, Pathway’s Yoga Instructor
Certified in chair yoga, classical Hatha Yoga postures modified for the elderly and handicapped

For over three years I have been the Hatha yoga instructor for residents and staff at Pathway Senior Living Supportive Living communities in and around Chicagoland. In seeking a better understanding of the needs and issues related to aging, I discovered Lakshmi Voelker’s comprehensive chair yoga. This type of yoga recognizes diverse levels of ability by creating at least three levels for each posture. The benefits, cautions and contraindications for classical poses are taken into consideration along with life options making yoga accessible for everyone.

The benefits of yoga are far reaching, from greater lung capacity and increased muscle tone and flexibility to decreased risk of falling, and stress relief. In addition to seated and restorative yoga, I teach meditation breathing and relaxation as well.

The seniors, many practicing yoga for the first time in their lives, bring a lot of joy and energy to the class. There is no age limit to being able to do yoga. At Victory Centre of Galewood, there is student who is 101 years old!
In my teaching, I focus on the “Baby Boom Generation” with the goal of keeping us healthy, happy, active, creative and purposeful contributors to the flow of life.

Yoga has enriched my life for nearly 40 years. Sharing the wisdom of this ancient science and philosophy through teaching not only benefits others but ensures that I remain active and fit for the next 40 years.

<photo caption: Victory Centre of Galewood Yoga students, Carmen, Marion and Dorothy in their final Namaste’ at the end of class.