Enhancing Cognitive Function through Yoga Therapy: A Program for Seniors
Click here to view our Neuroplasticity research progress so far, as presented at the Symposium on Yoga Research.
Support for this class series is provided by a grant from the Coral Gables Community Foundation.
NEW ON-SITE CLASSES at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center
2 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Thursdays, September 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023 from 3-4pm (EST)
ZOOM CLASSES: Thursdays, October 26, & November 2, 9, 16, & 30, & December 7 & 21 and Wednesday, December 13; 4:30-5:30pm (EST)
Yoga Therapy for Neuroplasticity sessions for seniors, merging mindfulness, physical, and occupational therapy to enhance cognitive function. Our program, led by a certified Yoga Therapist, promotes improved physical and mental health, including neuroplasticity, strength, flexibility, reduced stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and better sleep patterns.
This class series is specifically designed as yoga for the brain or Neuroplasticity. It provides concrete techniques for maintaining and improving sensory awareness and perception that tends to diminish as we age. Collectively, studies demonstrate a positive effect of yoga practice on the structure and/or function of the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex and brain networks including the default mode network (DMN). Studies with seniors offer promising early evidence that behavioral interventions like yoga may hold promise to mitigate age-related and neurodegenerative declines as many of the regions identified are known to demonstrate significant age-related atrophy.
Moreover, research reveals that yoga therapy addresses a common symptom specific to aging populations: the risk and fear of falling. In one representative study, two-thirds of participants ages 69 to 90 improved on balance tests after a 12-week yoga program.
In addition, studies show that yoga therapy for seniors has the following benefits:
- Enhances muscular strength and body flexibility
- Promotes respiratory and cardiovascular function
- Reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain
- Improves sleep patterns
- Enhances overall well-being and quality of life
- Increases overall brainwave activity
- Increases gray matter and volume in the amygdala and frontal cortex.
This class series offers an all-natural approach to healthier aging.
Registration information for on-site classes:
All participants must have a FREE City of Coral Gables Adult Activity Center (AAC) All Access Pass
To register for an access pass please visit the City of Coral Gables AAC or call 305-460-5613
If you are a resident of Coral Gables 2 proofs of residency will be required from the list below
Voters Card
Vehicle Registration
Lease or Mortgage agreement
Driver’s License
FPL Bill
As a non-resident you will need to provide a picture ID with proof of age
Registration for residents will open in mid-July (exact date to follow soon)
Registration for non-residents will open on August 21st space permitting
Cost for the programs:
Residents: $14
Non-Residents: $17.25
Our classes are open to Spanish speakers. We provide bilingual assistance for those who need it. Nuestros cursos están abierto a hispanohablantes. Ofrecemos servicios de traducción para todos que los necesitan.
Click to take our post-assessment survey and help further our understanding of the benefits of yoga therapy.
What Our Students are Saying …
“We are so greatful for your virtual Parkinson’s support options. We are shut ins and these types of classes are so important to my husband’s menti and emotional health.” —D. C.
“I appreciate the individual help, the expertise of the instructor and the peace it brings to my life.” —J. B.
“This class has been wonderful. My mental and physical well-being have greatly improved.” —B. G.
“I see more movement in J., he is able to do more movements during the class and in the rest of his life, he is very tuned in and interested, changed a lot since we began the classes. … You are a gifted teacher Adam and your work resounds with your love and belief in your students’ progress.” —P. B.
“It was very helpful to me. I knew it would be great because the teacher is wonderful.” —B. S.
“These classes helped my 91 year old father. After just one session I could see a noticeable difference in both his mental status and flexibility.” —T. K.
“I always feel great after the class. I am learning new exercises to help with pains and aches due to aging and physical conditions.” —C. M.
“The instructor is excellent! I appreciated her knowledge and experience. It’s a gift to find an instructor who is passionate in what she is teaching. Their yoga therapy classes are a blessing!” —E. E.
“I am so proud and more self-confident and happier because I have increased balance, agility, and feel more independent and capable. … My memory is better and so is my concentration.” —I. P.
“Expectations to learn brain stimulating activities have far exceeded my expectations. I’ve even shared some of the exercises with my adult children and other friends and they enjoy learning.” —T. K.
“I leave the session invigorated, focused and with renewed purpose.” —D. L.
“Each class was a pleasure that left in me a sensation of happiness and peace of mind. The teacher and the student assistants were very well prepared and very helpful.” —P. M.
“The class during this very difficult time was a true bright spot in my life. For a little time each week, we were able to not only learn new ways to promote our mental and physical health but also feel less isolated and that we were doing something positive for ourselves.” —J. B.
“These neuroplasticity classes are excellent. As I care for my aging parents, both 90 years of age and suffering from dementia, it is sad to think that some ‘brain training’ could help prevent this. I’m enjoying learning the exercises to stimulate my brain. ‘Always be learning’ is my motto. I believe that it helps to prevent our brains from becoming stagnant.” —T. K.
“I’m more happy and confident.” —D. G.
“I’m insecure, and [the class] helped me believe in myself. … I was so happy while taking the class.” —L. P.
“Excellent instructor! Classes definitely help to become more coordinated.” —L. E.
“More relaxed, positive, better sleep.” —L. P.
“I’ve gotten so much better physically and also in the way I react to daily problems. I feel calmer and happier.” —D. G.
“I feel less pain in my back, I sleep very well, and my digestion has improved. The classes help me to concentrate, breathe better, relax, and feel happier at the end of class.” —P. H.
“It instills confidence and improves my balance, even at my age of 77. I’ve noticed improvement in walking, and I’m feeling a lightness of being in myself and reaction to others. I plan to continue this activity, as it is really beneficial.” —E. P.
“Classes are excellent, and besides that the teacher is very professional. She cares about the welfare of the participants.” —L. P.
“It helped me to calm my nervous system, and therefore I feel less stressed, less anxious, and more focused. My body is more flexible, and I walk with more confidence, therefore I do not fall easily. I sleep very well. My digestion is very good.” —P. M.
“Amazing class.” —M. G.
“The teachers are great, nice, and very helpful.” —L. P.
“This class improved my concentration, balance, and well-being. The sessions give me the necessary tools to feel more rested and calmer.” —M. C.
[Each class offers] exercises to stimulate my brain and create new “pathways” to prevent aging of my brain so that as I age I can enjoy life to its fullest.” —T. K.
“Helped me with concentration and following directions.” —E. B.
Your feedback is very important to us. Submit your course evaluation here!
Faculty
Grisell B. Gonzalez, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a yoga therapist with a degree in art history from the University of Washington. She received her 1,000-Hour Clinical Yoga Therapy Certification and her 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification from AUM hOMe Shala, and earned her 200-hour yoga teaching certification at Ananda Washington. Grisell specializes in working with Parkinson’s and neuro-motor degenerative disorders. She is the founder of Inner Joy Yoga & Meditation, where she shares her knowledge of yoga therapy, meditation, tai chi for health, and Pilates. Yoga has been a part of her life for more than 20 years, and inspires her to live each moment more mindfully.
This class series is developed and directed by AUM founder and director Melinda Atkins, M.ED, MSc., E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, who is thrilled to be returning to her former stomping grounds of Coral Gables, where she grew up and attended high school. Melinda completed her Professional Level training at Kripalu, received her Clinical Yoga Therapy certification at Loyola Marymount University, became certified in the MELT Method® in 2012. Her yoga therapy practice focuses on those with MS and other chronic conditions and disabilities. Melinda also develops and directs yoga programs for at-risk youth in inner-city Miami schools. She holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Florida and a master of science degree in medical cannabis science and therapeutics from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.
Classes are offered via Zoom. To participate, students must first set up a free Zoom Account. To do so, follow these simple directions:
1. Set up a free account by following this link.
2. Once you arrive at the Zoom website, click the link Plans & Pricing at the top of the page on the left side.
3. A drop-down menu will appear; click on Basic Personal Meeting Free.
4. Follow the prompts to set up your account. Once you register, we will send you a Zoom invitation link to join the class. At the designated time, all you will have to do is click the link to connect.
6. Although all of our classes are free, we are a non-profit organization, and donations to help us sustain our efforts are tax-deductible. Learn more and support our mission here!