Yoga has been associated with a plethora of myriad health benefits. However, could it also hold the key to longevity? This is the claim of centenarian Daisy Taylor from Chelmsford, England.
On her 105th birthday, Taylor shared in a recent interview with the BBC that her long and healthy life can be attributed to yoga, alongside her positive outlook and gratitude for life’s little joys. She emphasizes that yoga has been particularly instrumental in keeping her mentally sharp, even at her advanced age, albeit with adaptations such as practicing in a chair rather than on a mat.
Taylor is not alone in her journey as an elderly yet mentally agile yogi. Many renowned yoga practitioners have led long, healthy lives, such as B.K.S Iyengar who defied early predictions of a short life to thrive until the age of 95.
Research suggests that the benefits of yoga extend into old age, combating age-related conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Furthermore, studies indicate that yoga may influence the ageing process at a cellular level, potentially enhancing lifespan and cognitive abilities.
While direct evidence linking yoga to increased longevity remains inconclusive, the practice undeniably contributes to overall health and mental acuity in old age. For Taylor and others, yoga serves not only as a physical exercise but also as a source of resilience, vitality, and fearlessness in the face of aging.
Vocabulary List:
- Myriad /ˈmɪr.i.əd/ (noun): A countless or extremely great number.
- Instrumental /ˌɪn.strəˈmen.tl/ (adjective): Serving as a means to an end; helpful or contributing to achieving something.
- Combatting /kəmˈbæt̬.ɪŋ/ (verb): Taking action to reduce or prevent something undesirable.
- Acuity /əˈkjuː.ɪ.ti/ (noun): Sharpness or keenness of thought vision or hearing.
- Resilience /rɪˈzɪl.jəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
- Longevity /lɒnˈdʒɛv.ɪ.ti/ (noun): Long life or duration of service.
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