Effect Of An 8-Week Selected Yogasanas And Naḍi Shodhana Pranayama Training On Physio-Psychological Wellbeing Of Retired Persons

Abstract

Background: Retirement presents multifaceted challenges to the physical and psychological wellbeing of older adults. In India, retired individuals often face lifestyle-related issues such as stress, hypertension, and blood sugar imbalance, which negatively impact their quality of life. Yoga, as a holistic and culturally rooted practice, offers a non-pharmacological alternative to manage these challenges.

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an 8-week intervention of selected Yogasanas and Naḍi Shodhana Pranayama on the physiological and psychological wellbeing of retired individuals aged 60–70 years.

Methodology: A quasi-experimental single-group pre- and post-test design was used. Thirty-five retired individuals from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, participated in an 8-week yoga program held six days per week. Assessments included BMI, blood pressure, random blood sugar levels, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Statistical analysis with Results:

The study found statistically significant reductions in physiological variables: weight (mean reduced from 66.8 to 63.34 kg), BMI (26.52 to 25.14), systolic BP (152.29 to 147.14 mmHg), and random blood sugar (213.23 to 175.63 mg/dL) (p < 0.0001). Psychological variables also showed marked improvement: PSS scores dropped from 19.51 to 14.80 and BDI scores from 16.14 to 10.83 (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The findings confirm that regular practice of selected Yogasanas and Naḍi Shodhana Pranayama significantly enhances physio-psychological wellbeing in retired individuals. Yoga can thus be recommended as an effective lifestyle intervention to promote healthy aging.