Policy implications of integrating yoga for healthy Aging: A stakeholder analysis in India.

BACKGROUND

The Government of India recently prioritized integration of yoga in subcenters from the National Program for Health Care of the Elderly but standardized protocols for older adults are unavailable.

METHODS

From April-December 2022, 45 stakeholders from the Indian health system including community health workers, physicians, yoga instructors and health officials were recruited for focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) to understand how a yoga intervention for older Indians could be implemented within the healthcare system.

RESULTS

Yoga was widely considered by stakeholders as a holistic, multidimensional practice. Opinions were mixed on advantages of yoga for aging and mobility issues. Age-related physiological and biomechanical changes in physical health, and motor deficits were especially concerning. Health workers and providers expressed the need for infrastructure and expert instructors to implement a yoga intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation research and adaptation of yoga for older adults are needed before delivering an intervention within the government's national program.