Kochi, Oct 5 (PTI) "Ageing gracefully" is a rare art mastered by only a few who celebrate their old age. For those senior citizens, who need someone to support them to find a meaning for life in the dusk of their glorious lives, an innovative programme has been launched in Kerala to increase their strength, balance and mobility along with relaxation techniques.

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Indian Medical Association (IMA) Committee for Care of Older Persons -- Kerala division has dedicated its programme "Respire - A Balance of Life" to help all elderly persons to stay healthy, active and independent.

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"This innovative exercise programme incorporates the knowledge of modern medicine alongside the Indian traditional martial art form of Kalaripayattu and healing system Yoga," IMA said in a statement here on Tuesday.

'Respire' provides a myriad of health benefits such as boosting the immune system, preventing and managing chronic conditions like lowering the risk of heart disease, reducing blood pressure, diabetes and so on, IMA said.

"It also helps in strengthening your muscles, reducing muscle loss, reducing overall pain and stiffness due to arthritis, maintaining joint function, increasing cardiovascular capacity, and reducing the frequency of falls due to loss of balance and posture", it said.

As an immediate action plan, the IMA said, its 'Respire' team aims to coach the frontline health workers and gym instructors across Kerala so that they are well-equipped and certified to train the elder community and guide them in every step of their 'Respire' journey.

The virtual launch of the programme was done by state Health Minister Veena George on October 1, the International Day of Older Persons themed "Digital Equity for all Ages" affirming the need for access to the digital world for older persons in order to empower them and to have their full participation in the society. The concept of 'Respire' was designed and developed by Dr Praveen Pai, Dr Vinod Padmanabhan from IMA Cochin in partnership with MAGICS, an NGO in Kerala and the entire project was coordinated by Arun S Nair with Yoga Master Raghunathan K C and Kalari Master Narayanan E S.

Dr M K Poulose, state chairman of the IMA committee, said 'Respire' is a holistic exercise programme to promote an awareness of the body and mind and also to provide a sense of balance and harmony among the older generations in our country.

With the Covid-19 pandemic and widespread lockdown measures taking a huge toll on the physical and mental health of the elderly persons, such simple yet effective mindfulness and rejuvenation programmes would mitigate the effects to a large extent, IMA said.

All the 'Respire' experiential group programmes are led by an efficient team of qualified and committed instructors who help you opt for the best, in a safe and supportive environment. These programmes are tailored to your needs and abilities through initial and ongoing assessments.

"Through these programmes, we aim to celebrate each and every older individual and turn their fleeting everyday experiences to everlasting inner strength and provide them an opportunity to grow old with dignity and make their lives more fruitful," IMA said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)