Policy implications of integrating yoga for healthy Aging: A stakeholder analysis in India

Background: The Government of India recently prioritized integration of yoga in subcenters from the National Program for Health Care of the Elderly but standardized protocols for older adults are unavailable. Methods: From April-December 2022, 45 stakeholders from the Indian health system including community health workers, physicians, yoga instructors and health officials were recruited for focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) to understand how a yoga intervention for older Indians could be implemented within the healthcare system. Results: Yoga was widely considered by stakeholders as a holistic, multidimensional practice. Opinions were mixed on advantages of yoga for aging and mobility issues. Age-related physiological and biomechanical changes in physical health, and motor deficits were especially concerning. Health workers and providers expressed the need for infrastructure and expert instructors to implement a yoga intervention. Conclusions: Implementation research and adaptation of yoga for older adults are needed before delivering an intervention within the government's national program.