Let your mind wander to the subject of yoga. What do you see? An emaciated Indian man with his feet wrapped around the back of his neck? A lithe, 20-something model with her feet wrapped around the back of her neck? A lithe, 20-something model in skin tight clothing standing on her head?

Or do you see yourself sitting in a chair, one knee crossed over the other, in a gentle twist that energizes your spine, relaxes your shoulders and deepens your breath? (Of course, if you’ve had a hip replacement you won’t see your knees crossed!) If you think that image is impossible, think again!

Yoga has joined the elder world in a big way. More and more senior centers, assisted living facilities, and even skilled nursing facilities now include yoga in their recreational choices. Yoga studios across the country now offer classes called Gentle Yoga, Yoga for Seniors or Therapeutic Yoga. Any of these might be appropriate for an elder who want to enjoy life to the fullest.

Many yoga poses can be adapted and modified to fit the needs of the elder population, and their baby-boomer children who are beginning to feel some aches and pains too! There are yoga teachers who are specially trained in the therapeutic aspects of yoga and are able to create programs especially designed with the elder yogi in mind.

These practices are gentle, move slowly, allow ample time for rest and relaxation and often include enlivening breathing techniques and calming contemplative/meditative practices. Some of the practices can be adapted to a chair or wall for support.

Yoga’s gifts and benefits are many…increased strength and flexibility, more sound sleep, better balance, increased lung capacity, greater peace of mind. All of these benefits increase our joy in living, our acceptance of life-as-it-is, and greater ability to live with purpose (whatever that may be for you). You might find yourself able to play with your grandchildren with greater gusto. Or you might provide that calm center in the midst of a family upset. Or your yoga practice might inspire you to become a mentor in the field you spent decades perfecting. Or you might teach a child who has little family support to read.

You really don’t need to be a pretzel to enjoy yoga. All you need is an open mind.