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us for positive aging with longevity. • Cellular level:
We learn to accept aging and enjoy Yoga practices reduce the rate of
the journey ahead gracefully with cellular aging and reverse premature
confidence. We find a sense of aging. Telomeres are the caps at the
purpose and meaningfulness in life. end of DNA that protect
Yoga also improves the quality of chromosomes. They are like plastic
life and overall well-being. tips at the end of shoelaces. Longer
telomeres are associated with health
HOW YOGA HELPS IN and longevity. It has been observed
SLOWING DOWN AGING: that long term meditators have 10
Around the world, research on the percent longer telomeres than people
anti-aging effects of yoga is carried who never meditate.
out. It is claimed that we can 'block' • Hormonal Regulation:
or 'turn off'' the genetic program DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is
called 'aging'. Although it seems known as the "anti-aging hormone."
unbelievable, scientific research has As we get older, the production of
already shown the benefits of yoga this hormone slows down. Yoga
in preventing age-related practices restore and maintain the
degeneration and slowing down the basal level of growth hormone (GH)
aging process. and (DHEA) in the body, thus
promoting healthy aging.
• Effect on Stress:
Stress and emotional distress speed
up the aging process. The stress
hormone 'cortisol' leads to wrinkles
and sagging skin. Meditation and
yoga practices lower cortisol levels
by 50 %. This allows the collagen to
renew the aging skin and reduce
wrinkles. Decreasing the effects of
chronic stress also results in better
immune status.
• Effect on the Brain:
Suggested As we age, the brain function
Anti-aging mechanisms: declines. Yoga and meditation
improve the age-related decline in
cognitive abilities. They improve
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