How Yoga Changed the Posture and Life of an 87-Year-Old Woman

Yoga is an ancient practice that cares for both your mind and your body. If yoga changed an elderly woman's life, it can change yours!
How Yoga Changed the Posture and Life of an 87-Year-Old Woman

Last update: 26 May, 2022

For years, it has been implied that age is an obstacle to learning new things and practicing certain disciplines. People who are eager to improve their quality of life without limitations, however, have shown that you can work to be better at any stage in life. This is the story of how yoga changed the life of an elderly person.

The woman in question is 87 years old. In spite of suffering from chronic diseases, she made the decision to practice yoga as therapy for her ailments.

Her story has traveled around the world, proving the benefits of this therapy as well as the ability for elderly adults continue exercising.

The story of how yoga changed an elderly woman’s life…

An elderly woman using belts to train in yoga.

Anna Pesce, the protagonist of our story, began to change her lifestyle when she was 86 years old, after looking for an effective treatment for the severe kyphosis that ailed her.

This condition causes the spine to be curved permanently. A hump gradually developed on her back and it was accompanied by lots of pain.

This disease appears as a result of scoliosis, osteoporosis, or herniated discs. It limited her movement and made her feel constantly tired.

Although she had been suffering for decades, Anna had failed to find a way to cope with her symptoms without affecting her quality of life.

Since she was first diagnosed, she tried therapies like acupuncture, exercise with physiotherapy, and osteopathy.

Although these did soothe her pain, they were never enough to make her feel whole and healthy again.

But yoga changed everything.

An elderly woman training in yoga.

Some people were concerned that it wasn’t a healthy practice for her age. Nevertheless, Professor Rachel Jesien, a therapeutic yoga specialist, motivated her and started teaching her classes once a week.

Anna could feel that she was gradually improving. She was walking better. In fact, within a month, she could take steps again without difficulty.

In two months, her pain began to disappear altogether. After a year of regular classes, she has now decided to practice yoga every day.

At 87 years of age, her back is no longer bent. She has regained mobility in a way that many people consider to be a “miracle,” and she feels more alive than ever.

Yoga changed this woman's life.

Her recovery serves as a message of hope for everyone. It’s never too late to start doing the things that can change your life.

In addition to that, her story makes it clear that every individual is different. In other words, you need to find the right treatment for what ails you.

While there are many options for therapies and remedies out there, sometimes what makes a treatment good for one person isn’t applicable to another.

If you experiment and analyze your body’s needs in depth, you’ll find the right one to keep you healthy for many years.

You want to know more? See: 4 yoga poses for back pain

About yoga…

A woman doing a yoga pose.

More than just a practice or an exercise, many consider yoga to be a healthy way of life.  Proponents say that it cures, maintains, and strengthens both body and mind.

Practiced in India for centuries, it has become one of the most popular disciplines for physical and spiritual fitness.

Although in Hinduism yoga is part of the religious, spiritual, and cultural tradition, the practice has crossed borders. It has become a worldwide health therapy.

Each yoga session lasts between an hour and an hour and a half, although some practice it for less time.

The postures are frequently accompanied by breathing exercises and varying degrees of difficulty.

Most classes begin with a short warm-up called a “sun salutation,” reaching up and gradually descending to warm up the muscles and joints.

The session ends with a complete relaxation that lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, which aims to restore calm to your body and mind.

Yoga can be practiced in a specialized gym or fitness center. Beginners should be supervised by an expert, because poor posture can lead to injuries.

After you master the poses and learn the correct techniques, everyone can do it, no matter where you are.

After reading about how yoga changed this woman’s life, do you feel inspired to incorporate this discipline into your life?


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.