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An older man in overalls kneels on a green yoga mat doing a stretch while a white cat stretches on the mat in front of him. 17 / 35

Grandpa Rolled Out a Yoga Mat for His Morning Stretches. He Got a Workout Buddy.

AI imagewhite catstretchingliving room

A green yoga mat is rolled out across the living room floorboards, and Hank is down on all fours in his overalls and plaid shirt, working through a careful stretch. His face is full of concentration, but the real star of this workout is right in front of him. Cotton has stepped onto the mat and is stretching out her own front legs, back arched and tail held out behind her, looking for all the world like she is following the routine. A beige couch, a folded throw, a pair of slippers and a sunny window give the room a calm, homey feel.

Gentle stretching is often recommended for older adults to help with flexibility, balance and everyday comfort, and many community centers offer chair yoga or senior stretching classes. Starting slowly, using a non-slip mat and checking with a doctor before beginning a new routine are sensible steps. Cats, of course, are natural stretching experts. They stretch after nearly every nap, lengthening their spine and limbs to get the blood flowing and loosen up muscles before moving. Pets in the room can make exercise more fun, but watch where you put your hands and feet so nobody gets stepped on, and give a curious cat a moment to wander off the mat before the next pose.

Hank's form is improving every day, though Cotton might still be the more flexible of the two.

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