New Study to Investigate How Yoga Benefits Older People With Multiple Long-Term Health Conditions

A four-year Northumbria University study will explore the benefits that yoga brings to older adults with multiple long-term health conditions, reports News-Medical . The investigation follows evidence that such individuals are more likely to have reduced physical function, lower quality of life, reduced life expectancy, and more support for mental health issues. Northumbria Professor Garry Tew will work with the University of York and independent yoga consultants, enlisting nearly 600 people 65 and older who have multimorbidity from 12 different locations in the United Kingdom. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a cohort that will maintain their usual care without any additional support, or a cohort that receives usual care plus an invitation to join a yoga program involving weekly group-based sessions and encouragement to perform specific exercises at home. Participants will undergo three-, six-, and 12-month assessments of their quality of life and mental health. "A primary focus will be the effect of the program on peoples' overall quality of life," Tew says. "We will also review any changes in their reported levels of depression and anxiety and if they are having fewer falls because of improvements in physical function."