Assisting the Ageing with Yoga Programs

With an ageing population set to double by 2050 plus growing levels of housing stress and homelessness among the elderly residential aged care facilities are in demand.

Mission Australia’s Annie Green Court aged care facility is a 100% concessional accredited residential aged care facility for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or who have experienced financial or social disadvantage. Ranging in age from 45 to over 100, most of the residents suffer from mental illness and require 24/7 nursing and medical care. Annie’s Green Court facility promotes an independent lifestyle where each resident has their own room and encourages recreational activities. 

Partnership with Mission Australia for Yoga Programs

The Yoga Foundation has partnered with Mission Australia to run weekly yoga classes at Annie’s Green Court aged care facility since May 2020.

Hiam Katrib, Volunteer Program, Project Planner, Annie Green Court aged care facility says, “I know [the clients] love it and think Moira, the teacher, is great.” 

“Moira, one of our fantastic yoga teachers, has taught these deserving people every Wednesday since May as we knew this was a particularly challenging time for aged care residents,” says Jessica Hobson, The Yoga Foundation’s General Manager. “We know that the residents are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety with COVID and wanted to give them respite and a chance to connect.”

REsideNTS ENJOY THE YOGA FOUNDATION’S WEEKLY CLASSES VIA ZOOM

Research Supports Yoga Programs

A research report on The Yoga Foundation’s programs overseen by Dr Geoff Lyons, Psychologist and Research Consultant, shows the Foundation’s classes are a good self-help strategy for managing mental health in homeless and disadvantaged people. The Yoga Foundation’s classes provide real mental health benefits and participants report leaving these classes in a more stable psychological state than when they arrive experiencing ongoing psychological and physical benefits.The report concluded that Sydney’s homeless and at-risk persons are a vulnerable population that experience considerable hardship. Providing adequate and cost-effective support to these persons is a considerable challenge for the Government and the broader Sydney community. Dr. Lyons’ study has shown that The Yoga Foundation provides a valuable service to the community by alleviating some of the distress client’s experience increasing their wellness and their likelihood of engaging in other support services.

About Mission Australia

Mission Australia's integrated nationwide services help people find safe and affordable housing, support disadvantaged children and families, empower troubled young people, assist people with mental illness and disability, and much more. Early intervention and prevention are the heart of their work. Learn more at www.missionaustralia.com.au.