ENHANCING ENGAGEMENT, MOBILITY, AND COGNITIVE RESPONSE IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA THROUGH CHAIR YOGA: A NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION STUDY

Abstract

This study evaluated the feasibility and impact of a structured chair yoga program as a non-pharmacological intervention for elderly individuals with mild to moderate dementia residing in a long-term care facility. Given the growing prevalence of dementia and the limitations of pharmacologic treatments, this study aimed to explore whether movement-based, mind-body practices could improve physical, cognitive, and emotional outcomes in a real-world setting. A total of 18 participants (ages 70–99), primarily female and racially diverse, engaged in at least one of eleven weekly chair yoga sessions conducted in a familiar group setting. The sessions were designed to promote comfort, engagement, and routine using guided yoga postures, live music, interactive activities, and personalized pacing. An observational design was employed to assess outcomes across three core domains: coordination and precision, mobility and flexibility, and mood and emotional engagement. Attendance patterns indicated progressive comfort with the program, peaking in session 4 and stabilizing across subsequent sessions. Many participants who initially demonstrated difficulty with specific exercises showed marked improvement over time, gaining fluency and confidence through repeated exposure and stepwise instruction. Emotional responses also improved, with greater expressions of joy, interaction, and enthusiasm observed in later sessions. The program was well tolerated, and adaptive strategies were employed to accommodate individual cognitive and physical limitations. Findings support the implementation of structured, low-impact chair yoga as a sustainable, engaging, and beneficial practice in memory care settings, with potential to enhance quality of life, participation, and social connection in elderly individuals with dementia.