Undergoing surgery in old age is difficult enough. Surgery when dealing with memory loss is a whole new challenge. Alzheimer’s and dementia are neurologic disorders that destroy memory and other mental functions. Patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia who want to undergo surgery for other health issues face several complications. Elderly patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia need to be given special care post-surgery.
Patients are known to experience confusion, delirium, and agitation post-surgery. Yoga is a timeless technique that can help elderly patients cope with post-surgery issues to some extent. Individuals who practice Yoga can handle stress and anxiety better than those who do not.
Chair Yoga for seniors
Studies have shown that patients with moderate-to-severe dementia benefit from Chair Yoga. Chair Yoga is ideal for seniors with restricted mobility and cognitive impairment. Older adults with various limitations can still practice Yoga from the comfort of their homes. Since many seniors deal with balance issues, practicing chair Yoga can help prevent falls and accidents. Chair Yoga involves breathing techniques, gentle physical postures, and guided meditation.
What to expect from a Yoga class for elderly patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Post-surgery, older adults with dementia/Alzheimers may tend to become more stressed than before. Yoga is an exercise for the mind and body and a great tool for stress management. A yoga class for elderly patients includes the following :
1. Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises encourage older adults to focus their attention on breathing. They will become more relaxed and mindful by diverting their attention to specific physical sensations. Improving the flow of breath promotes overall wellness for patients who cannot afford to practice various Yoga poses.
2.Physical postures
Seniors who do not have too many restrictions can practice physical postures. Practicing restorative yoga poses can greatly reduce healing time after surgery. Seated mountain pose, seated forward bend, eagle arms, reverse arm hold, simple seated twist, and single leg stretch are poses seniors can easily practice. A qualified Yoga instructor can guide seniors through various poses so there is no risk of injuries. The benefits of chair Yoga for older adults include low impact on joints, improved flexibility, stress reduction, pain management, and reduced depression and anxiety. Yoga can help prevent falls, delirium, pressure ulcers, and constipation from restricted movements post-surgery.
3. Relaxation techniques
Yoga includes relaxation techniques that are entirely focused on calming the mind. Patients with Alzheimer’s get angry or frustrated quickly. Relaxation techniques help them develop more constructive relationships with their thoughts and emotions.
Communicating with an individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia could be tricky. Things could get worse, especially after surgery. You may wonder whether individuals with dementia can practice Yoga at all. But there isn’t any need to remember anything to practice Yoga. Seniors can practice Yoga at their own pace and gain relief from multiple health issues. Having an experienced and friendly instructor by your side would help so seniors are comfortable practicing various poses.
YogaNiti is a classical Yoga studio based out of Mumbai offering customized sessions for individuals with different goals. With qualified instructors and rich experience, our Yoga classes are designed to address the physiological and psychological problems of students. Contact us today to book a session of your choice.
