A EFFECT OF YOGA ON AGING AN EDITORIALPERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Aging is a natural biological process associated with gradual declines in physical, mental, and cognitive functions. As life expectancy increases worldwide, promoting healthy aging has become a major public health priority. Yoga, an ancient mind-body practice combining physical postures [asanas], breathing techniques [pranayama], and meditation, has gained increasing attention as a holistic approach to improving the quality of life in older adults. This editorial perspective highlights the potential role of yoga in supporting healthy aging by enhancing flexibility, balance, muscle strength, cardiovascular health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and stress management. Emerging scientific evidence suggests that regular yoga practice may reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, lower anxiety and depression, and contribute to better functional independence among older individuals. Although current findings are promising, further large-scale, high quality clinical studies are needed to establish standardized yoga protocols and better understand the underlying biological mechanisms. Integrating yoga into preventive healthcare and geriatric wellness programs may offer a safe, cost-effective, and accessible strategy for promoting healthy aging and improving overall well-being in the aging population.