New Delhi's focus on healthy ageing will take center stage June 21, International Day of Yoga in Kolkata . Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav says theme,"Yoga for Healthy Ageing," addresses global health challenge as nations deal with ageing populations,lifestyle diseases.
Jadhav shifts focus from just living longer to living better. "As life expectancy rises globally,we must focus on healthier living," he said . Quality now matters as much as years.
Minister points to yoga's benefits: fitness, mental health, preventive care in ageing. Kolkata, chosen as host city, symbolizes India's rich cultural,intellectual heritage. "Kolkata embodies India's cultural,spiritual,intellectual heritage," Jadhav noted,pushing city's role in promoting yoga as timeless tradition.
World demographics changing fast,elderly numbers soaring, stress-related illnesses spiking. Jadhav says yoga offers simple,cheap solution,boosting mobility,flexibility,mental resilience. "Through this theme,we encourage citizens to adopt yoga as lifelong practice supporting healthy,active ageing," he added.
Regular yoga boosts balance,flexibility,strength,cardiovascular health,while cutting stress,anxiety. Studies back yoga's positive effects on cognitive health,emotional stability,especially for older adults. Jadhav urged seniors: "No need for tough postures to benefit." Simple practices bring big health,mental peace gains.
Looking ahead to International Day of Yoga 2026, Jadhav noted Ayush Ministry gearing up with major plans,like awareness campaigns,community outreach. "We're also using digital platforms for wider engagement,better access across India,abroad," he noted.
"Yoga 365" initiative aims to make yoga daily habit,not just one-day event. Jadhav said preventive care is ministry's core,yoga can reduce risks by encouraging healthy habits,mental well-being.
Since UN recognition in 2014, International Day of Yoga has grown into one of world's largest wellness movements. Jadhav remarked yoga now crosses cultural,geographical lines,reinforcing India's role as global health ambassador. This year,ministry focuses on inclusive participation,community engagement,enhancing platforms like Yoga Sangam Portal for more public involvement.
And ministry has rolled out ten yoga protocols for various diseases,target groups,addressing unique needs across ages,health conditions. Another initiative, "Yoga for Air Travel," offers five-minute routine for flights,with seated yogic practices,breathing exercises.
