The Joy of Togetherness: How Practicing Yoga with Friends Strengthens Body, Mind, and Heart

Written by Jackie Paunil, Creator of the Young Heart Yoga App, E-RYT, RPYT, CHC, MFA

Empowering older adults to move, breathe, and thrive with grace and vitality.

There’s something magical about sharing a good stretch and a few laughs with friends. Whether you’re meeting at your local yoga studio, practicing together at home, or gathering virtually through an app, yoga becomes more than a physical practice—it becomes a celebration of connection, support, and joy.

And science agrees: social connection isn’t just nice—it’s vital for our health.

A landmark meta-analysis revealed that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of premature death as much as smoking or obesity (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). Meanwhile, volunteering and community engagement have been shown to improve emotional and cognitive well-being in older adults (Anderson et al., 2014). Simply put, being together—really together—is one of the best things we can do for our health.

Yoga: A Path to Connection and Well-Being

Yoga provides a natural gateway to meaningful connection. Research has found that yoga fosters social connectedness and positive emotions by cultivating self-compassion and shared experiences (Tomaszewski et al., 2020). When practiced with others, it helps dissolve the invisible walls of isolation that sometimes appear with age or life transitions.

Think of it as friendship in motion—every deep breath and gentle movement syncing with the group’s shared rhythm. Beyond the warm fuzzies, yoga has measurable effects on brain health, supporting emotional regulation and the neural networks tied to empathy and social cognition (Gothe et al., 2019).

So, when you’re laughing through a wobbly balance pose or sighing in collective relief during savasana, you’re not only improving flexibility—you’re strengthening the social and emotional “muscles” that keep your brain young and your heart full.

Seasonal Support: Staying Connected Through the Holidays

The winter months and holiday season can amplify feelings of loneliness for many older adults. But connection through shared movement offers a remedy. Group physical activities like yoga can reduce loneliness and boost motivation, particularly during seasonal transitions (Tzu & Sullivan, 2022).

So why not invite a few friends over, light a candle, roll out your mats, and follow a class together on the Young Heart Yoga App? It’s the perfect blend of movement, mindfulness, and meaningful connection—without the need to scrape ice off the car.

A Gentle Nudge Toward Connection

Yoga reminds us that well-being isn’t a solo journey. It’s enriched through the company we keep, the laughter we share, and the compassion we extend—to ourselves and to others.

So next time you press play on your yoga practice, consider extending an invitation. A shared practice can nurture not only your body, but also your friendships, purpose, and joy.

Download the Young Heart Yoga App and start your next practice together—because yoga, like life, is better when shared.

About the Author

Jackie Paunil is a published author, wellness advocate, and creator of the Young Heart Yoga App, designed for active and older adults seeking balance, vitality, and mindfulness. With certifications including E-RYT, RPYT, CHC, and an MFA, Jackie combines her extensive training and life experience to inspire others to live with purpose and wellness.

Residing on a ranch in Casa Grande, Arizona, Jackie leads an organic lifestyle surrounded by animals she adores. She is a devoted wife, mother, proud “GiGi” to her grandchildren, and a world traveler who has explored the depths as a master scuba diver. Her in-person yoga and meditation classes, alongside her app, reflect her passion for helping others thrive. Jackie's teaching philosophy is grounded in her own holistic practices, empowering students to embrace sustainable, joyful movement and mindfulness for a more vibrant life.

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References

• Anderson, N. D., Damianakis, T., Kröger, E., Wagner, L. M., Dawson, D. R., Binns, M. A., Bernstein, S., Caspi, E., & Cook, S. L. (2014). The benefits associated with volunteering among seniors: A critical review and recommendations for future research. Psychological Bulletin, 140(6), 1505–1533. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037610

• Gothe, N. P., Khan, I., Hayes, J., Erlenbach, E., & Damoiseaux, J. S. (2019). Yoga effects on brain health: A systematic review of neuroimaging studies. Brain Plasticity, 5(1), 105–122. https://doi.org/10.3233/BPL-190084

• Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227–237. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691614568352

• Tomaszewski, K., Imbir, K., Cudo, A., & Cieciuch, J. (2020). Yoga and positive emotions: The mediating role of social connectedness and self-compassion. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1953. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01953

• Tzu, C. Y., & Sullivan, A. N. (2022). The role of social connection in physical activity and mental well-being among older adults during seasonal transitions. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 30(3), 481–491. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2021-0062