Shannon started a thread in The Yoga and Movement Research Group on Facebook asking:

Shannon was asking on behalf of a client who had been approached by a group of 50+ women who requested their own yoga class without mentioning the term “senior”. It was certainly a hot button issue with words like “ageist” and “offensive” being scattered throughout the responses. A very interesting conversation developed and many asked if a class geared toward seniors was even necessary. A significant number of responses were something like “just call it yoga.” Many important points were discussed, bringing in a wealth of insight. Through this thread I was able to compile a list of possible class names that were shared with great humour and wisdom. I was also able to put together a list of other considerations, if you do intend to teach a class geared towards older adults, pulling from the multitude of responses.

Collective Brainstorm for Yoga Classes Geared Towards Seniors:

The outpouring of names for classes geared toward older adults was impressive. I was struck by the humour, sensitivity, and experience behind the suggestions. It can be quite a challenge to come up with a name that will avoid offending while being clear. Michelle Marchildon describes her learning experience with the class name “Wise Warriors”:

Though Shannon’s question didn’t mention the word “senior” many felt that 50+ implied this, which brought into question: How do we, as a society, define senior? As many pointed out, 50 is not a generally thought of as the age of a senior. I googled this question and this was the top answer:

65 years old certainly seems more reasonable than 50 to be labelled “senior” but many asked why label at all?  Several of the yoga teachers made the point that they would never teach a class geared toward a certain age group:

Many pointed out that ability should be a priority over age:

Unfortunately, ageism is alive and well as experienced by Flame Joyce Simcosby:

There are some students who simply want to be grouped by age and feel more comfortable in a class with their peers. A comment made by a student requesting the 50+ class and mentioned she didn’t want to attend one with “bendy 20-year-olds”. An interesting point made by Louise Bloom regarding the changes aging brings to the body regardless how fit we are for our age:

Menopause, which most women reach between the ages of 45 and 55 (though not strictly,) was cited in Dianna Stratton’s idea for a class:

Rosemary Thomas chimed in:

I found a couple of teachers who felt especially honoured to teach older adults:

Autumn Anderson shared that her class with an older demographic are:

Kathleen Beveridge added:

Marketing was a factor brought up my several respondents and included the theory that classifying classes by age might be more of a marketing strategy than a useful division. Concerned with offending with the term “senior”? Many suggested that naming the class in a way that attracts seniors but isn’t explicitly in the title could be a good strategy such as Gentle, Restorative, Yoga Basics, Intro to Yoga, Slow Flow, etc. Also, promoting or teaching your class in a senior-specific place such as a nursing home eliminates the need to label. Your time slot alone can attract seniors. As Teresa Whitely noted that holding weekday morning classes is a “great time slot for retired folks.”

Sometimes all you can do is try a name and see if it works for the demographic you are seeking in your area. The input is certainly appreciated and highlights the desire for sensitivity and critical thinking around the topic of aging. Please feel free to share your own insight or ideas to add to our yoga class names list.