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Neither tennis nor cycling: the sport that retirees over 60 can still practice for better sleep

Sport, retirees, sleep

Two seniors practicing tennis.

Are you struggling to achieve restful sleep after 60? Instead of engaging in high-impact sports or demanding cycling rides, consider a gentler practice that is perfect for retirees. We’re talking about yoga, an ancient discipline intertwined with mindfulness, meditation, and gentle movement, and it has proven to be a powerful ally for attaining restorative sleep.

Although many people regard it merely as stretching, yoga offers distinct benefits for older adults, including enhancing sleep quality and promoting stress reduction and relaxation. Let’s discover why this holistic practice works so well and learn how to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Is yoga a sport? How seniors can benefit from it

Yoga demands physical skills such as strength, balance, and flexibility, key elements found in many athletic practices. Holding poses builds muscle endurance, while flowing sequences require coordination and cardiovascular effort. Yet it sets itself apart by forgoing direct competition: its real strength lies in fostering a profound mind-body connection.

For retirees, this blend of rigorous movement and focused relaxation is essential for improving sleep. The practice eases common sleep disruptors such as stiffness, joint pain, and muscle tension through stretches and strength-building postures. It also addresses stress and anxiety with its breathing techniques and mindful movements.

By training the nervous system to enter a state of calm, it becomes much easier to quiet the mind at bedtime, fall asleep faster, and experience fewer nighttime disruptions.

Starting your yoga journey for better sleep after 60

The practice does not demand extreme flexibility; it’s more about gradual progress and mindful awareness. Follow these guidelines to begin your practice:

Begin slowly and respect your body’s natural limits. With consistent, gentle practice, you’ll experience improvements not only in your sleep quality but also in your overall mobility and a sense of calm during the day.

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