Embracing Gentle Mobility: A Fun Path to Health for Manhattan Seniors

Ready to get moving and groove your way to better health? Gentle mobility exercises are here to save the day! Designed to promote movement without the strain, these fun and friendly exercises bring a wealth of benefits for seniors. Focusing on flexibility, strength, and balance, they can help you feel great and keep you on your toes—literally!

Meet Rupali Dogra, a Manhattan-based geriatric yoga instructor who specializes in making yoga accessible and enjoyable for older adults. “I lead Gentle Mobility classes that combine movement with meditation, thus promoting wholesome, healthy aging,” she says with enthusiasm.

For Rupali, every day spent with seniors in Manhattan is a fulfilling experience. Each yoga session is a two-way street of learning. “In these classes, seniors work on enhancing their mental and physical health, while I soak up their life experiences and wisdom. It’s a dynamic exchange that enriches our time together and cultivates growth for both sides!”, she shares.

Here’s Rupali’s Beginner’s Guide to a Fun Seated Yoga Routine

1.   Start Slow and Small: Begin with gentle movements to prepare your body. A simple “joint-loosening” routine on a chair or bed is a great way to ease into your practice and enhance your mobility and flexibility.

2.   Stretch, Not Stress: Regular stretching can lead to a more flexible body, that is free from age-generated stiffness and tightness. A consistent yoga practice not only helps regain lost mobility but also improves balance and reduces stress levels.

3.   Use Props: Incorporate everyday items like towels, chairs, and blankets to support your practice. These props make various postures more accessible and enhance your overall experience.

4.   Movement is Medicine: Even a 15-minute movement class from the comfort of your home can significantly benefit your physical and mental health. After all, as the saying goes, we are only as young as our feet allow us to be.

5.   Join a Class/Instructor: To stay consistent and inspired, consider joining a class with an instructor who can provide age-specific guidance and modifications tailored to your needs.

If you have any questions about gentle mobility classes or practices, contact Rupali at Rupali.kuva@gmail.com. You can also connect with Rupali on LinkedIn. At Griswold, care is personal, and we take pride in referring Caregivers to assist with your family’s needs, including companionship, homemaking, personal care, and more.

(Images: Rupali Dogra)