2009 Yoga Therapy Intensive: Teaching Yoga to Seniors

April 15 to 22, 2009: Earn a Certificate in "Therapeutic Yoga for Seniors"

To register, please call us at 1-866-313-0959 (toll-free) or for more information, e-mail Carol Krucoff, Program Co-Director, at carol.krucoff@duke.edu.

Seniors age 65 and older represent the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. population and-like many Americans-are increasingly drawn to yoga. Yet there are few places yoga teachers can learn practical strategies for adapting the practice to older bodies, minds and spirits. Since the elderly population will more than double to 80 million between now and the year 2050--with nearly one-quarter expected to live to age 100-it's essential to help yoga instructors learn how to best serve older students.

In response, Duke Integrative Medicine is offering a unique opportunity for yoga teachers to earn a certificate of completion in Therapeutic Yoga for Seniors in this pioneering program that combines the best of modern, evidenced based medicine with the ancient wisdom, experience and tradition of Yogic teachings. Designed for registered yoga teachers, this program will help instructors work safely and effectively with older adults, both in a class setting and one-on-one.

During this intensive, 8-day training, Duke medical experts will cover health conditions common to seniors-such as heart disease, arthritis and osteoporosis-and experienced yoga therapists will provide hands-on training in appropriately modifying postures. Faculty will include physicians, exercise physiologists, physical therapists and health psychologists and special issues in teaching elderly students will be addressed, including pain management, spirituality and aging, palliative care, and integrating yogic practices into non-studio settings, such as in bed (hospital or home), wheelchairs and in daily life.

Held in our first-of-its-kind 27,000 square foot facility, located in a wooded area down the road from Duke University Medical Center, the program will also offer an opportunity for networking, group support and receiving continuing education credits from the Yoga Alliance. Participants will be assigned a mentor and will be required to complete a project involving teaching seniors in their community to earn their certificate of completion.

Download the program FAQs