Yoga gives over 50s new lease of life

8:08am Thursday 10th April 2008

Comments (3)   Have your say »

WHILE many people approaching their 50s look forward to putting their feet up, a group in Radcliffe is proving that age is no barrier to keeping fit.

Radcliffe and District over 50s yoga group is proving so popular that a new weekly class has started. Radcliffe Times reporter Gaynor Clarke went along to find out more.

SINCE it was taken up by Hollywood celebrities as the in vogue exercise, yoga has been seen as something done by lithe and slender people like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Ordinary people soon followed in their footsteps though, and there are now millions of yoga devotees across the world.

But what many people don't know is that yoga is an exercise which can be done regardless of whether you can put your legs behind your head.

And a group in Radcliffe are proving that age won't stop them trying out the wide range of different postures.

Radcliffe and District over 50s yoga group was originally set up by Age Concern to give older people a way to keep fit. Instructor Olivia Rigby took over the class four years ago and it has been going from strength to strength ever since.

The group has around 35 members, though they do not all attend every Thursday. The weekly classes, held at Bridge Methodist Church, in Milltown Street, are so popular that Olivia has recently started a second class on Monday afternoons to cater for the demand.

And despite their increasing years and ageing bodies, members of the yoga group are determined to remain supple. The members, both men and women, are continuing to enjoy the benefits of yoga well into their 70s and 80s.

Olivia said: "As people get older, they stop doing yoga because they don't feel that they can do it to the same extent. But it does improve their flexibility and mobility. Some people do things they couldn't even do as a child. It shows them that they have a whole body, and even if they have a bad hip or a bad knee, it doesn't stop them doing everything. It's very good for all-round health.

"Yoga also helps to keep people young. They get a sparkle in their eyes and are willing to try new things. This makes sure that they don't get stuck in a rut."

The group focus on hatha yoga, which uses traditional postures held in place. It was first introduced in the 15th century and includes postures, breathing control, and meditation. Olivia incorporates other forms of yoga into the classes, using more movement than those usually used in hatha yoga. Among the postures used by the group are the triangle, warrior, cobra, and dog.

Although yoga is an exercise, Olivia is very careful to make sure that members of the group do not injure themselves. She gives advice to each person on the postures that they can do and helps to adapt them, depending on their current health. The classes also include information about diet and nutrition to help people keep fit.

Yoga is known for its benefits to both physical and mental health, but members of the class find that it is more than just the actual exercises which help them. The sessions allow them to meet new people, make friends, and discuss issues with people of the same age. Many of the regular members have become good friends and now socialise outside the classes.

Olivia said: "They are really good fun and very welcoming. They support each other. People may find themselves with a health problem which someone else has experienced, so they often give each other advice."

Among the people enjoying the yoga classes is 59-year-old Alan Howard, from Bury, who has been doing yoga for 15 years. He said: "I noticed how stiff I was before I started doing yoga. I feel a lot better now though. Yoga was able to pull me through."

Another member, Eileen Craig (63), from Whitefield, said: "It's a really comfortable, friendly environment. Yoga is harder to do when you're older but it can still be done, and this class is geared to the over 50s. It's an enjoyable form of exercise."

Jeanette Moran (60), of Radcliffe, said: "It keeps me fit and supple. My age doesn't make a difference - I still enjoy it."

Eileen Lomax (62), from Little Lever, said: "I have been doing the class for 18 months. It is gentle exercise and you can do as much as you like. You're not pushed into hard exercise. The people here are good company and it's a good environment."

The upsurge in interest in the group has led to them receiving a grant worth £1,020 from Radcliffe Local Area Partnership, to pay for yoga mats, blocks and other equipment. Some members do bring their own items, but providing them allows people to use public transport without carrying their equipment.

And to make the yoga classes even more accessible to people, the group plans to apply for funding to cover costs, such as hiring the room. Members currently pay £5 per session, but if they receive a grant, this could be reduced or made free of charge.

But the group are still determined to attract more members and improve the health of people over 50-years-old who are living in the area.

They plan to hold a series of open days to promote the yoga classes. The first event will be held from noon to 3pm today at Bridge Methodist Church, and includes a lecture and meal share.

Olivia said: "Yoga can make a real difference to people's lives. It can be adapted to meet individual health problems and absolute beginners can have a go, regardless of how old they are. It's a great form of exercise."

Yoga classes are held from 1.30pm to 3pm on Mondays and Thursdays and places do not need to be booked in advance. To find out more contact Olivia on 01706 829488 or 07746 197511.