Combating loneliness with movement for women over 60

“This is the only time in the week I do something for myself – it’s made a big and positive difference to my mental health. I’ve made new friends and feel more confident in leaving the house again," said one yoga participant.

Many women aged over 60 experience social isolation and limited opportunities for physical activity, which impacts their overall health and emotional wellbeing.

To break down these barriers, Midland Langar Seva Society delivered regular yoga sessions in Walsall with the focus on improving physical and mental wellbeing.

Funded by Activity Alliance’s Get Out Get Active programme and facilitated by Active Black Country, the beginner-friendly yoga sessions were delivered in a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where women can connect with each other, build friendships and stay active, whilst helping the participants improve their balance, mobility and flexibility.

By addressing their needs, the project created a sense of belonging amongst participants and helped boost their confidence.

Key outcomes and impact

• Powerful social outlet: The free sessions quickly became a regular social space where women could connect. Many participants began doing extra activities together outside of the programme, highlighting how valuable this safe and welcoming environment was for building friendships and combating loneliness.
• Brought women out of their comfort zone: Some participants were initially hesitant to attend due to low confidence, mobility concerns, or being unfamiliar with yoga. Reassurance was provided through gentle promotion, peer testimonials, and a clear focus on the supportive, beginner-friendly nature of the sessions. As word spread from early participants, trust began to build. The sessions were carefully planned to accommodate different health conditions and mobility levels. The instructor offered tailored modifications, including seated and alternative poses, so that everyone could take part comfortably and safely.
• Improved flexibility, balance and mobility: Participants reported feeling more active, flexible and balanced. Some also noted that regular practice helped ease joint stiffness, improved mobility, and positively impacted their posture – showing how gentle movement can support physical health in later life.
• Stress reducer, mood booster: The calming nature of the sessions, along with breathing and mindfulness exercises, helped participants manage stress and reduce anxiety. Many described yoga as bringing a sense of calm and routine to their week, which had a noticeable effect on their mood and emotional wellbeing.
• Reduced visits to GP: By staying active and feeling more emotionally well, participants said they experienced fewer health issues. This resulted in a reduced need for GP appointments. Some even shared that they felt more confident in their mobility and were less reliant on paid support services, helping them to manage everyday life more independently.

Key learnings

• One of the most valuable learning points was the impact of some small social touches. Tea breaks and casual chats were just as meaningful as the yoga itself, helping to build trust, create connections and give participants something to look forward to each week.
• By removing barriers such as cost, especially for those on low incomes or pensions, the project helped participants access something that supported their physical, mental and social wellbeing in a holistic and sustainable way.

Sharing insights

• The yoga project showed that gentle movement, combined with a welcoming social space, can make a lasting difference to people’s lives.
• The sessions provided physical activity and created a trusted community where women built friendships, grew in confidence, and supported each other beyond the programme. Careful planning meant those with low confidence, mobility concerns or health conditions could take part safely, leading to improved balance, flexibility and mobility.
• By collaborating with local health centres, faith groups or residential homes can help identify and reach more isolated people who may benefit from yoga sessions. These sessions could be offered in other neighbourhoods or community hubs, especially where transport is a barrier. For those who are unable to attend in person due to health or mobility issues, online or hybrid yoga sessions could be explored.
  

Everyone no matter age, abilities or background should be able to take part in physical movement, whether low impact or high intensity - and everything in between. Midland Langar Seva Society helped some Black Country people to get active in their own, gentle way and we support its mission in helping those in need to improve their lives.