How Yoga Benefits Southwest Austin Independent and Assisted Living Residents
Dripping Springs is the “Gateway to the Hill Country” and is most famously home to ‘Buck,’ a 101-year-old yoga instructor.
As a senior living in Dripping Springs, TX, Buck leads daily therapeutic yoga for seniors and other seated exercises at the Ledgestone Senior Living community.
What is therapeutic yoga for seniors?
Forget the image of active adults in spandex, a mat under one arm and a fancy water bottle in the other. Instead, picture our seniors, comfortably dressed in everyday clothes, heading off to their gentle yoga class. Yes, you heard that right – yoga for older people. And not just any yoga, but chair yoga for seniors.
A study conducted by expert physical therapists concluded that chair yoga has transformative benefits for seniors. It reduces fall risk and anxiety, while improving balance, mobility, and mood. This mind and body practice is especially beneficial for those who cannot engage in traditional forms of exercise.
Therapeutic yoga for seniors isn’t about twisting into pretzel-like shapes. Rather, it focuses on stretching and strengthening the body, aligning the mind, and promoting overall well-being. The majority of these warm-ups are performed seated, making it an accessible form of yoga practice for our older residents. The benefits of yoga for seniors can be life-altering.
Let’s take a look at some popular seated yoga positions for seniors:
- Seated Warrior: This pose promotes core stability and arm strength, offering the added benefits of calming the mind and improving posture.
- Seated Mountain: A soothing pose that eases muscle pain and stretches the spine. From the shoulder to the wrists, muscles become relaxed and rejuvenated.
- Seated Cat-Cow: This pose releases stress and tension, activates the abdominal muscles, and supports hip health.
Is chair yoga for all older adults?
While it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before beginning any new training regimen, most seniors can benefit from this gentle yoga practice. However, individuals living with hypertension, high blood pressure, later-stage Parkinson’s, or dementia, or those on medications that cause dizziness, may need to exercise caution to avoid increased fall risk.
Take Buck, for example. At 101-years-young, Buck began his yoga journey just a few years ago after experiencing mobility issues and a hip fracture. But that didn’t deter this veteran from regaining strength, mastering yoga poses, and becoming an inspiring model resident. Our independent living, assisted living, and memory care community adores his positivity.
Buck’s story proves that with the strength derived from yoga practice, seniors can enjoy an independent lifestyle. His days are filled with good food, good friends, and good health – a testament to the transformative benefits of yoga for seniors.
What’s the difference between independent living and assisted living?
The main difference at our Dripping Springs, TX senior living community is a lifestyle preference.
Seniors who want to remain socially active but don’t want to deal with the hassles of maintaining a home enjoy the ease of independent living. It offers the same quality of life as an active retirement community.
Assisted living communities provide personalized senior care services to help people maximize their independence.
Think about these benefits when choosing senior housing:
Independent Living Benefits:
- New friends and social clubs
- Parties and special events
- Daily activities and wellness programs
- Access to chef-prepared dining
- Maintenance-free lifestyle
- Housekeeping and transportation services
- Medical alert system
Assisted Living Benefits include all of the above, plus:
- Nurses and specialized team member support
- Personalized activities of daily living assistance (bathing, dressing, transferring, personal care)
- Medication management
- Individualized wellness plan
- Three chef-prepared meals per day
- Regularly updated care plans
Ledgestone Senior Living in Dripping Springs offers seniors a peaceful and luxurious lifestyle. We’re only 20 minutes outside of Austin, TX.
Our independent living community apartments come in fully-equipped studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments. Assisted living residents love letting go of hassles by choosing floor plans that include multiple studios and one-bedroom apartments.
There’s never a dull moment in our community unless relaxing in the solace of your private residence is what you want. By making Ledgestone your new home, enjoy access to:
- A terraced patio with sweeping views
- Outdoor pool, patio, and grilling area
- Private courtyard
- Salon
- Game room and fitness center
- Art studio and library
- Theater
- Multiple dining venues, including a sweet shop
What is memory care?
The Cottage is where seniors experiencing memory loss due to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia live honored lives. Our specialized memory care neighborhood is familiar and secure.
Memory care in The Cottage is supported by specialized team members who encourage residents to explore their passions and live in the moment. We create a family-style environment where new friendships are encouraged.
Our memory care community removes caretaking duties from family members. We offer a chance to slow the memory loss with an engaging lifestyle. The Cottage lets families enjoy positive moments with their loved ones.
Learn Senior Yoga in Dripping Springs, Texas
Ledgestone Senior Living would love to meet you or a loved one who is interested in living with vigor and vitality. To learn more about our care services, visit our senior living community in Dripping Springs. Contact us to arrange a tour or ask questions.
