It is well known that aging is associated with an increase in functional limitations, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. Physical activity-based interventions have long been studied for their ability to improve these functions in older adults.

People older than 50 often move to a sedentary lifestyle despite the fact that regular physical activity is essential to promote health and function as the age advances.

Yoga is an intervention that has the potential to enhance the quality of life of older adults. Evidence indicates that yoga intervention can reduce the fear of falling and improve balance and flexibility outcomes in older adults. Practice of yoga has been shown to yield considerable improvements in strength, flexibility, and health-related quality of life.

A study published in the Journals of Gerontology: Series A compared the functional benefits of yoga with conventional stretching-strengthening exercises recommended for adults. Overall, 118 sedentary healthy adults (mean age 62 years) were included in this 8-week randomized controlled trial. Sixty-one subjects were randomized to the yoga group and 57 to the stretching-strengthening exercise group.

According to a repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance, there was a significant time effect for measures of balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility. Significant improvements on measures of balance (left-right leg and four square step), strength (chair stands and arm curls), flexibility (back scratch and sit-and-reach), and mobility (gait speed and 8-feet up and go) were seen in both the groups.

The 8-week yoga intervention and conventional stretching and strengthening exercises were found to have similar effects in improving functional fitness outcomes among middle-aged and older adults. Therefore, it can be stated that yoga could be employed as an alternate form of physical activity for individuals who are not able to perform stretching and strengthening exercises.