If you have cultivated a yoga practice, you’re personally experiencing the many benefits yoga has to offer, so it makes sense that you would like your mother to enjoy them as well. If she has not yet fallen in love with yoga, this Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to encourage a further exploration. Here are six reasons why it’s virtually the best gift you can give her:

The timing is always right

Unlike many athletic endeavors, yoga is unique in that you can start it at any period of your life. Not only are there a vast range of poses, but most can be modified as needed to ensure a safe, fulfilling experience at any age or state of fitness.

Age has advantages in yoga

One of the benefits of starting a yoga practice later in life is that over time, most of us come to understand and respect our body’s capacities and limitations. This awareness is especially valuable in a new practice to ensure a positive experience and prevent injury.

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It can offer a new lease on life

If you like the idea of healthy longevity, you know that remaining open to new experiences is a big part of cultivating that. A fulfilling yoga practice starts with one good class, and for many people, it’s a truly awakening experience─often just the rejuvenation many women seek in their senior years.

It can help prevent premature aging

Many women devoted to yoga over time seem imbued with a fluid, graceful beauty and subtle glow. Yoga operates on numerous levels to encourage wellness and ward off the stiffness of age. Among other benefits, it encourages a youthful flexibility, keeping your muscles and ligaments supple, while also encouraging an influx of healthy, regenerative oxygen to all the cells in your body through deep breathing.

It offers a sense of accomplishment

Many retired people miss certain healthy daily challenges they experienced in their career.  The beauty of yoga is that, while it’s not about judgment or competition, it does offer an opportunity to learn, grow and achieve in every class. Becoming more adept with your poses is good for your mind, body and spirit!

It’s an antidepressant

Many of us experience the blues on occasion, so natural ways to feel joyful again are valuable. One reason yoga works so well in this capacity is that studies show it increases levels of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). A healthy supply of this neuro-chemical imparts feelings of optimism, well-being and empowerment. That’s great at any age!

The best way to get your mother started in yoga is to help her find a good class, and accompany her if she’s up for it. You may know just the right instructor to suit your mother’s needs. Gentle or beginning yoga is an ideal start. Enjoying a few classes together can be a great way to share time and can add another dimension to your relationship as well. Happy Mother’s Day!

Kiki Powers, MS, CNC, is a Certified Nutrition Consultant, professional health writer and national speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition and healthy green living. On top of writing for Simply Fair, Kiki runs BohoBabe Foods, a company she founded to inspire people to explore healthier, greener, more compassionate food choices, one delicious bite at a time.