[AKA_Monet]

Yoga helps a lot with older person's propensity for arthritic pain--if done correctly. Also it's a very meditative practice, somewhat in the same way as Tai Chi. Meaning that it allows one to focus on parts of the body to relieve stress and strain. In fact, I think scientists have found that similar brain waves are stimulated when either of these practices are done.

The other thing with yoga is that it develops your "core muscles". Pilates does a better job with the "core muscle" building, but yoga can do it, too.

General stretching, like yoga, for persons as they get older is better than high impact, increased heart rate aerobic exercise. However, the cardiovascular workout should still be completed as a complement and walking includes that process.

So if your mother is exhausted and stressed, then I suggested she speaks to her physcian, then a trainer, and get into a consistent, lifestyle exercise regimen.

I like yoga, but I like barre yoga--yoga in combination with barre exercises from ballet--better.