Why Yoga Helps You Live Longer

Although the commercial advertising the alarm device LifeCall with its infamous line, "I've fallen and I can't get up!" still makes me laugh, fear of falling is a serious matter for many older people. Now, Indiana University researchers have found that yoga can reduce that fear. "Our study found yoga increased lower body flexibility and that directly resulted in less fear and a boost to their physical confidence," said Marieke Van Puymbroeck, assistant professor in Indiana University's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

The study involved 14 men and women with an average age of 78, who all said they found themselves in situations where they were afraid they'd fall. After 12 weeks, they reported a six percent fear reduction. They also had increased range of motion, better balance and a 34 percent increase in lower body flexibility. To reap similar results, practice a gentle Hatha-type yoga two to three times a week, said Van Puymbroeck.

Earlier this year, another study found a regular yoga practice may lower the blood compound cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), a marker of inflammation that normally rises due to normal aging and stress. Too much IL-6 can contribute to heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and other age-related conditions. The female participants with an average age of 41 were divided into two groups, novices and experts. The experts had practiced yoga regularly for at least two years. After performing a series of stressful tasks, the results showed the novices had levels of IL-6 that was 41 percent higher than the yoga vets. So the bottom line on this one is that "the anti-inflammatory benefits may only begin after a consistent practice," said Dr. Janice Keicolt-Glaser, professor of psychology and psychiatry and the Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus.

There also appears to be a link between loose limbs and healthy arteries. When researchers had participants do a standard sit-and-reach test they found flexibility was a good predictor of artery stiffness among middle age and older people, but not among the younger group. Arterial stiffness increases with age and puts you at cardiovascular risk but healthy blood vessels are elastic which helps to moderate blood pressure. "It's possible that stretching exercises can set into motion physical reactions that slow down arterial stiffening," said study author Kento Yamamoto. To find out he is currently conducting another study to learn how a six-month stretching program affects arteries in over-40 year-olds.

New to yoga and want to ease in slowly? Try these five Tibetan rites.