Effect of selected yoga techniques in reducing stress among the age group 60-75 years

Ageing is a normal phenomenon which is inevitable and in India , the size of elderly population is fast growing although it constituted among 7.4 % as per 2001 census.Among the states the proportion varies from around 4% in states like Nagaland, Meghalaya etc to more than 10.5% in Kerala. Population aging is humanities greatest triumphs. The diseases of locomotor system cause more discomfort and disability than any other chronic disease in the elderly. Stress is another problem people face in old age.Elderly people are highly prone to mental morbidities due to ageing of the brain, problems associated with physical health, cerebral pathology, socio-economic factors such as breakdown of the family support systems, and decrease in economic independence. The mental disorders that are frequently encountered include dementia and mood disorders. Other disorders include neurotic and personality disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, delirium, and mental psychosis,With regard to rising public expenditure for medical care, available data increasingly indicate that old age itself is not associated with increased medical spending, rather it is disability and poor health often associated with old age that are costly.Yoga is one of the most useful and cost effective methods of inducing a healthy and active life while at the same time preparing for spiritual awakening. The objective of the study is to assess the effect ofselected yoga techniques, in reducing stress among geriatric population.Yoga is good at addressing individuals at physical, psycological. and social levels.Relaxation induced by meditation helps to stabilize the autoimmune system.

It also helps to relieve the stress and corrects numerous psychosomatic conditions prevalent in old age. Individuals of both sex, aged 60-75 years registered in the out -patient department of Swasthavritha is selected. Individuals who are not fit for doing yoga , those who are having malignancies and those who are not wiling to do yoga are excluded.Each session will start and end with prayer. Beginners will start with loosening exercises. Each asana will be done 2 rounds in first week and 5 rounds in coming weeks. Relaxation in shavasana will be given after completing the yogasanans. Asanas that are done are padahastasana ,Balasana,Marjariasana, shithiladandasana, pashchimothasana, Sukhasana,and Shavasana. Nadishuddhi pranayama, Sheethali Pranayama, sheetkari pranayama and Bhramari pranayama will be done after completing the asanas. Instant relaxation techniques will be practiced in shavasana. The total duration will be for 60 minutes and will be done for a period 45 days.Stress scores before and after the study will be assessed through appropriate tools.(Perceived stress scale).