NEW DELHI: The focus on healthy aging on this year’s International Yoga Day reflects one of the most pressing global health priorities, as countries grapple with rapidly aging populations and the growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases, Union Minister for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav said.
The main celebration of International Yoga Day will be held on June 21 this year in Kolkata under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Living”.
Jadhav said the focus must now shift from simply increasing life expectancy to ensuring healthier, more active and dignified lives.
“The theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Aging’ reflects one of the most pressing global health priorities today. As life expectancy increases across the world, the focus must shift from simply living longer to living healthier, more active and dignified lives,” he told PTI.
The minister said yoga offers a holistic approach to physical fitness, mental health, emotional balance and preventive healthcare throughout the aging journey.
Highlighting the selection of Kolkata as the host city, he said that the city represents the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of India.
“Choosing Kolkata as a host city is equally important. Kolkata embodies India’s rich cultural, spiritual and intellectual heritage, making it an ideal place to showcase yoga as a timeless tradition that continues to confront contemporary health challenges,” Jadhav said.
He pointed out that the world is witnessing a major demographic shift, with the elderly population growing rapidly, even with the increasing prevalence of stress-related diseases, non-communicable diseases and lifestyle disorders.
“The world is witnessing a major demographic shift, with a rapidly increasing elderly population. Along with this, lifestyle disorders, stress-related diseases and non-communicable diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent,” he said.
According to the Minister, yoga provides a simple, accessible and cost-effective solution that enhances mobility, flexibility, mental resilience and overall wellness.
“Through this theme, we seek to encourage citizens to embrace yoga as a lifelong practice that supports healthy and active ageing,” Jadhav added.
Jadhav said that practicing yoga regularly helps improve balance, flexibility, strength, respiratory efficiency and cardiovascular health.
It also supports mental health by reducing stress, anxiety and loneliness.
Scientific studies increasingly show the positive impact of yoga on cognitive health, emotional stability, and quality of life among older adults.
“I would encourage every senior citizen to embrace yoga as a companion to healthy and graceful aging. One does not need to perform difficult poses to experience its benefits. Simple asana, breathing practices and meditation can significantly improve physical health, mental peace and confidence. Yoga enables individuals to remain active, independent and engaged in life,” he said.
On the AYUSH Ministry’s preparations for IDY 2026, Jadhav said the ministry has begun extensive preparations through awareness campaigns, training programmes, institutional partnerships and community outreach activities, after the 100-day countdown.
“We are also leveraging digital platforms to ensure wider participation and greater accessibility for people across India and beyond,” he said.
Regarding the role that the “Yoga 365” initiative plays in this year’s celebrations, he said: “Yoga 365 is designed to transform yoga from a one-day event into a year-round movement. Through continuous participation, training programs, and public engagement initiatives, Yoga 365 encourages citizens to integrate yoga into their daily lives.”
Preventive healthcare is a key pillar of our healthcare strategy. Yoga helps reduce the risk of many lifestyle-related conditions by promoting physical activity, stress management, healthy habits, and mental health. Jadhav said that by encouraging regular yoga practice, IDY 2026 reinforces the idea that maintaining health is often more effective than treating illness after the fact.
Regarding the impact of yoga at the international level, he said that since its adoption by the United Nations in 2014, International Yoga Day has developed into one of the largest health movements in the world.
“Today, yoga is practiced across continents, transcending cultural, linguistic and geographical boundaries. IDY has strengthened India’s role as a global ambassador for holistic health and wellness while promoting the universal message of harmony between mind, body and nature,” he said.
This year, special emphasis is placed on inclusive engagement, community engagement, and creating sustainable yoga ecosystems.
The Ministry has strengthened platforms such as the Sangam Yoga Portal and the Yoga Park Initiative to expand outreach and facilitate greater public participation. These efforts will help build long-term yoga infrastructure and encourage regular practice among citizens.
In addition, the Ministry has launched 10 yoga protocols for non-communicable diseases and target groups, designed to meet the specific needs of individuals across different age groups and health conditions. These evidence-based protocols reinforce the role of yoga in preventive, promotive, and integrative health care.
Another notable initiative is the “Yoga for Air Travel” protocol, a specially designed five-minute routine that includes seated yoga practices, breathing exercises and short meditation. PTI PLB DV
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