Yoga is an ancient practice, which dates all the way back to 2,700 B.C. There’s a good reason that it’s stuck around for so long. Put simply, it works!

Millions of people practice yoga every day because it helps them feel both physically and mentally better. It can be particularly impactful for older adults.

If you’ve been looking for new ways to improve your health and wellness, then now could be the perfect time to give yoga a chance. Keep reading to learn more about what it can do for you and to learn whether or not your Medicare health insurance will help you pay for classes.

What is Yoga, Exactly?

Yoga is a mind and body practice with roots dating back to ancient Indian philosophy. There are many different styles of yoga, which each incorporates its own combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditative sequences.

Various types of yoga are meant to help people accomplish different aspects of their health and wellness goals. For example, Bikram, or hot, yoga is meant to help people sweat out toxins and lose excess weight. Kundalini yoga, on the other hand, is a system of meditation that’s meant to help the body release pent up energy.

There are just a few examples of the many different disciplines of yoga. It’ll be worth your time to do some quick internet research to figure out which is best for you.

How Does Yoga Help Older Adults?

Yoga can provide a number of benefits to older adults. These include:

  • Strengthened bones
  • Reduced stress
  • Improved sleeping habits
  • Enhanced balance, mobility, strength, and flexibility
  • Improved mood
  • Decreased risk of depression
  • Reduction of aches and pains throughout the body

On top of all of this, yoga is also a great way to strengthen your core and keep yourself in shape.

How Do I Get Started?

Yoga can feel overwhelming to get into if you’ve never done it before. If you’re unsure of where to start, then your best bet may be to take a class.

When you take a class, you’ll have an instructor who will guide you through the postures for the day. You’ll just follow what they do and ask them questions if you’re unsure about how to proceed at any point.

Older adults can take yoga classes for a reduced cost or for free with a subscription to Silver Sneakers. These classes tend to be targeted towards older adults, so they’re also a great way to meet other people your age.

Will Medicare Cover the Costs of Yoga Classes?

The answer to this question depends on the type of coverage that you have. Original Medicare doesn’t cover fitness programs, which is what they consider yoga to be.

However, many Medicare Advantage plans cover the costs of programs like SilverSneakers. You could use this to try out some free yoga classes until you find out which is best for you.

If you’re interested in signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan, then reach out to the partnered licensed agents at Time for 65. They’ll provide you with personalized options to choose from so you can find the best plan for your unique needs.Get started today by either filling out this form or giving us a call.