While it's true that with age comes wisdom, it also comes with stiffening joints and a host of health concerns that can make the last third of our lives a sad, slow descent.

Yoga can help our aging community find a new path of awareness though breathing exercises, strengthening abdominal walls and help in relieving arthritis stiffness.

Learning to ground oneself will help balance and coordination.

I searched for yoga classes designed for people over 55 and discovered a few.

Bobbie Kass of Yogani Studios offers a class for adults 55 and older at the studio on Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Tonight, Kass will teach a free "Intro To Yoga for Seniors" at the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library. The class begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be conducted with participants seated in a chairs and standing near a chair, so no mats will be needed. A towel to sit on is recommended.

Four weeks ago, I began teaching a free yoga course for seniors on Mondays at the Riverview Branch Library. I was amazed at the turn out, which was mostly women aged 65 and up. This class also is done in and around a chair, not on mats — definitely not a traditional yoga class.

I am teaching another round of four senior yoga classes at Riverview starting this Monday at 10:30 a.m. The final class is April 25.

And, I will this same free course at the North Tampa Branch Library on Mondays beginning May 5. 

Depending on one's athleticism and health, an older adult could attend most any level yoga class no matter what age. However, it should be cleared with a physician.

The benefits of yoga for seniors are:

• decreased stiffness
• improved function of the circulatory system
• improved function of the digestive system
• increased activity
• weight loss
• increased coordination and balance
• reduced anxiety 

The obvious challenges for seniors in traditional exercise is injury. Jumping around, running and lifting heavy weights risky once we hit a certain age. However, yoga can build strength and endurance in a slow and gentle practice.

Seniors should discuss health problems with the instructor and always have clearance from a physician before starting any exercise routine. 

Remember that yoga can sometimes simply be sitting and doing breathing exercises. In yoga classes for seniors, moment is slow and passive. Just remember: rolling the ankles and wrists and doing breathing exercises is a whole lot more beneficial than doing nothing.

If you want to try a beginner level  or restorative yoga class, these can be wonderful for those over 55, but remember they are usually practiced on the floor.

Before choosing any class, make sure it fits your level of ability. If you can't get down on a yoga mat, make sure the class or studio has a chair that is accessible for you to use in class. 

For my fellow yoga instructors, Yogani Studios will offer Senior Yoga: Teacher Training & Immersion on June 24, 25, 26. You will receive credit for the Asheville Yoga Center's 500 hour program. I will be there with yoga bells on! As an instructor, I want all the tools I can gather to help my students.

Namaste!