Most elderly adults do not meet the physical activity levels recommended for general health, which increases the risk for a variety of preventable health conditions. The aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of elderly adults through the practice of yoga-based exercises. Outcomes measured will include: wellbeing, health-related quality of life, cardio-metabolic risks, pain, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, mood states, mobility and falls, sleep quality, and cognition. Changes in cortisol and inflammatory markers will also be assessed.The world’s population is ageing and more people are living longer. At the same time, those that do live longer have more years lived with disease and disability. While many older adults enjoy good health, poor physical mobility, mood disorders, pain and cognitive deficits are common and have been linked to poor life quality. Regular physical activity can assist these health problems, yet most older adults are inactive. One possible reason is that conventional aerobic and strength exercises may not be feasible or appealing. The purpose of this project is to explore the effects of participation in a yoga-based exercise program on wellbeing (primary study outcome) in older adults. Effects of yoga on a range of secondary health outcomes will also be examined.

Randomized controlled trial is proposed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week yoga-based intervention to be implemented in India. About 150 participants will be recruited in Ujjain, India. Assessments will be taken at baseline (pre-randomization), post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up. The study is designed to empower elderly adults to initiate and continue the practice of yoga beyond the intervention. 

Classes will be designed to be suitable for beginners, and include common yoga poses such as: knee presses, cow pose, bound angle, easy forward bend, twist with leg bent, half cobra and chair pose. Some balance exercises are also typically included, along with a focus on controlled breathing. Participants are encouraged to train at a level they find suitable while maintaining proper form, as instructed. The sessions normally conclude with a 5 minute rest/relaxation period. Each class is one hour long, and participants will be instructed to attend at least 2 sessions per week for 12-weeks.  In addition,  they will be encouraged  to complete at least one additional yoga session at home, practicing what they learn at the center. Attendance will be monitored. Those who have not attended any classes for one week or more will be contacted by project team and will be encouraged to continue.

Control Group participants will undergo 1 hour session twice in a week for 12 weeks, it will include mild regular exercises such as warm up movements, walking and stretching. If demanded by participants, they will be advised regarding how they can improve health behaviour by sitting less and standing/walking more throughout the day, where feasible. The rationale for including such control group, where participants are contacted with a similar frequency as the intervention group, is to reduce the likelihood of a Hawthorne effect. In this way, the control group will receive a similar frequency of â€˜attention’ from the intervention.