Well Balanced Yoga: Impact of Chair Yoga on Balance and Well-Being Among Older Adults Residing in Assisted Living

Falls among older adults are steadily increasing and contribute to the growing mortality and morbidity rates of this population. Fall prevention measures are complex and require a multidimensional approach to reduce associated risk factors. Older adults with more engagement were less prone to feelings of loneliness and, consequently, exhibited elevated levels of physical, psychological, and social well-being. This project explores the potential use of chair yoga as a non-pharmacological intervention to enhance balance and well-being among older adults residing in an assisted living facility. Evidence shows physical activity using yoga can decrease fall risk factors and improve psychological health. The project leader provided instruction on the implementation of chair yoga over a six-week period. The findings showed an improvement in balance based on the BERG Balance Test, and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index demonstrated an improvement of well-being. These results highlight the benefits of chair yoga in improving balance and a sense of well-being in this population. Further investigation is needed in motivational strategies, recruitment, and staff engagement. This project emphasizes the importance of physical activity programs among older adults residing in Assisted Living Facilities to improve overall health and well-being.