The Social Side of Yoga: How Connection Keeps Us Young at 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.

Halloween may be filled with ghosts, ghouls, and the occasional pumpkin-spiced latte overdose, but the scariest thing facing older adults isn’t found in a haunted house—it’s loneliness. Social isolation can creep in as life circumstances shift, but research shows staying connected is just as vital to health as exercise or diet. The good news? Yoga doesn’t just stretch your hamstrings; it stretches your social circle too.

Why Social Connection Matters

Strong social ties don’t just make life more enjoyable; they can improve overall health. Research shows that greater social connection is associated with more physical activity, reduced loneliness, and higher well-being (Proctor et al., 2023). Conversely, isolation can increase risks for depression, cognitive decline, and even mortality. The message is clear: connection is as essential as calcium for keeping bones—and spirits—strong.

Yoga as a Community Builder

Unlike some fitness routines that leave you sweating solo on a treadmill, yoga often thrives in community settings. From the moment you unroll your mat, there’s a subtle invitation to connect—with yourself and those around you. Whether it’s a smile before class or shared laughter when someone wobbles in Tree Pose, yoga creates opportunities for authentic connection.

A recent study on older adults found that social connectedness can be cultivated in simple ways, like engaging in group activities that encourage presence and participation (Simionato et al., 2023). Yoga naturally fits the bill, offering movement, mindfulness, and shared experience without the pressure of small talk over blaring music.

The Virtual Connection Advantage

Connection doesn’t always require being in the same room. A randomized controlled trial found that telehealth yoga improved social isolation and reduced loneliness among older rural adults (Teo et al., 2025). That means whether you’re practicing in a studio, a community center, or from your living room, yoga can still help foster meaningful bonds.

Tips to Cultivate Connection Through Yoga

• Join regularly: Relationships grow with consistency.

• Engage before or after class: A friendly “hello” can open doors.

• Explore online communities: Virtual yoga groups and apps extend connection beyond geography.

• Share the experience: Invite a friend to join—it’s sweeter than Halloween candy.

  
  

Why Connection Is the Real Treat

This October, while ghosts and skeletons parade outside, remember that the true fright to avoid is isolation. Yoga isn’t just about movement—it’s about belonging. By practicing together, you’ll not only improve your health but also strengthen the ties that keep you young at heart.

Ready to connect? Download the Young Heart Yoga App today and join a welcoming yoga community designed especially for older adults.

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

• Proctor, A. S., Lin, Z. Q., Li, H., & Harlos, R. (2023). The vital link between social connection and health: A large body of literature documents how greater social connection is linked to health-promoting behaviors, including more exercise, less loneliness, better well-being. Limn, 2(91). https://doi.org/10.1002/lim2.91

• Simionato, J., & colleagues. (2023). Circumstances that promote social connectedness in older adults. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2023.10583064

• Teo, A. R., & colleagues. (2025). Effect of telehealth yoga on loneliness and social isolation in older rural patients: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Telemedicine and Tele-health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39791606/