AARP Eye Center
Yoga Decreases the Fear of Falling
By Alejandra Owens, March 10, 2009 10:10 AM
Oh, how I love yoga. It's a workout for the body as well as the mind - not to mention can be super calming. Who would have thought exercising could be calming?? What's even better is that according to some researchers, yoga can decrease a fear of falling among older adults, a problem that many don't realize is a problem:
Fear of falling is an important public health concern because it can cause older adults -- even those who have not fallen -- to limit their social and physical activity. This effort to avoid falls can create a harmful cycle that can diminish health and quality of life.
But yoga combats this feeling, as well as it literally improves one's balance. To check out yoga basics as well as tips for before you begin a yoga class, check out AARP's review of the practice - it can be very useful for newbies!