"Progressing physically and mentally" - a qualitative investigation into perceptions of mental well-being and barriers to participation in a nine-week yoga program among older inmates in Germany.

BACKGROUND

This study examines how a structured yoga program impacts the mental well-being of older inmates in the German correctional system and identifies barriers to participation. Older individuals in custody represent a growing yet largely overlooked subgroup in the scientific discourse, despite being disproportionately affected by the psychological and physical strains of imprisonment. To explore how yoga may support coping resources and social connectedness in this context, eight inmates (M = 63 years) completed a nine-week program and participated in qualitative interviews.

RESULTS

Findings suggest that participants perceived meaningful improvements in mental well-being, including increased self-reflection, emotional relief, and enhanced self-efficacy. Many described reduced physical discomfort, better balance and mobility, and the integration of breathing and movement techniques into their daily routines. Socially, the program fostered connectedness by strengthening mutual support and more positive interactions within the group. Barriers to participation emerged at both intrinsic and extrinsic levels. Intrinsic barriers were primarily tied to age-related physical limitations. Extrinsic barriers resulted from institutional conditions, such as scheduling conflicts, limited availability of structured physical activity, and insufficient program continuity.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the findings suggest that yoga can serve as a valuable resource for strengthening coping capacities and social connectedness among older inmates in Germany. At the same time, the results underscore that such benefits depend on careful, needs-oriented program staging that accommodates physical limitations and institutional constraints. Given that older inmates have received minimal attention in prior research, this study highlights both the rehabilitative potential of yoga in the German correctional context and the necessity of thoughtfully adapted implementation to ensure accessibility and meaningful impact.