Perception and practices of yoga among old age home inhabitants-A focus group discussion

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Yoga integrates physical posture, breath regulation, and mindfulness, conforming as an intervention that is safe, adaptable, scalable, and modifiable according to the mobility levels of the elderly. OBJECTIVES: To find out the socio-demographic profile, discuss practice, feasibility, difficulties faced, and explore the perceived benefits of Yoga on mental, physical, social, and spiritual determinants of health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A focus group discussion explored the viewpoints of 13 male and 11 female volunteers above 60 years of age residing in a modest old-age home. Two 25-minute sessions were conducted separately for males and females. Video recording was done for both sessions. RESULTS: Participants belonged to lower middle-income rural families; all were Hindus but illiterate and used to engage in manual labor at a young age.  Most of the elderly were residents of the old-age home for 2-5 years. They practiced yoga daily but were not very perceptive about its experience. CONCLUSION: Yoga was viewed as a positive addition to the daily activities at the old-age home.