In a study investigating the efficacy of yoga and calisthenics in maintaining flexibility among seniors, 22 older adults engaged in yoga practice, while 20 participated in calisthenics over the course of a year, with 24 seniors serving as a control group. After one year, flexibility assessments revealed contrasting outcomes: the control group experienced a decline in overall flexibility, whereas both the yoga and calisthenics groups exhibited improvements compared to baseline measurements.

Notably, participants in the yoga group demonstrated a fourfold increase in flexibility assessments compared to their counterparts in the calisthenics group. This suggests that the slow, deliberate movements inherent in yoga practice may be particularly effective in enhancing flexibility among older adults, surpassing the benefits conferred by the fast-paced, dynamic exercises characteristic of calisthenics routines.

These findings underscore the potential of yoga as a valuable tool in promoting flexibility and mobility in aging populations. By embracing the gentle, passive movements and mindful breathing techniques inherent in yoga practice, seniors can cultivate suppleness and range of motion, enhancing their overall quality of life and functional independence as they age.

International Journal of Yoga Therapy, September 2014