Meet Rose Whitham

To all you Super Seniors, I am 83 and have been practicing yoga since my 20’s and teaching since I was

30. I have taught throughout the US in colleges, high schools, elementary schools, corporations,

community centers, yoga studios, and private classes. My Yoga Teacher Certifications trace back to

the first teachers from India bringing yoga to the West, and the first ashrams that they established

here. As you and I are aware, a whole lot of life happens in the time between our 20’s to what is called, our “senior” years. Over the years our lifestyle of work, sports, habits, accidents, injuries, and stress

accumulate, and, as our bodies age, these begin to create health challenges both physically and mentally.

My own journey with injuries and recovery has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges

we, as seniors, face. My first injury happened at 5 yrs old, when my right ankle was crushed in a farm

accident. Due to lack of medical attention and correction, I developed scoliosis. At 16, I crashed the

school’s Driver-Ed car into a tree. As my life progressed, I added 3 major falls and another car accident.

At 65 yrs, I was in a wheel chair with bone on bone in my left hip leading to my first hip replacement.

Two years later my right hip was replaced.

Knowledge gained through my personal journey and from years of yoga has led me to create Age Wise

Yoga. In these classes I have adapted traditional yoga asanas/postures to work with and focus on the wide variety of challenges an aging body develops.

With over 50 years of yoga studies, practice and teaching experience, I am passionate about helping

fellow seniors discover the joy and benefits of all that yoga offers. I am dedicated to helping you get

moving and keep moving no matter what your life journey has been. This class may not return you to

that younger body; it will, however, slow the aging process, ease some of those aches and pains, and bring added freedom of movement to your body and life.

What You Can Expect:

 Gentle, slow-paced movements specifically focused on restoring and rejuvenating your aging body.

 A hands-on class in which I modify and adapt exercises, in the moment, to your body’s specific needs.

What You Will Gain:

 Stronger muscles – arms, legs, back, stomach, pelvic floor

 Improved stability and balance (climbing stairs, stepping up/down off curb, etc) with less risk of

falls/injuries

 Increased range of motion – spine, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, wrists, legs, ankles, feet

(picking things off floor, getting in/out of bed, turning to look over shoulder when driving)

 Less aches & pains, increased energy, reduced stress, improved moods, concentration, mental

clarity, restful sleep, regained physical and mental confidence, an overall sense of well-being

 Movements and breath work that aid digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, excretory

and nervous systems, improve circulation, lymph movement and stimulate cellular activity

You will, once again, be in charge of your body!

TESTIMONIES

I’m a walking, talking, breathing testament to Rose and her yoga classes. My balance and strength

improve daily as I walk without falling, and I prize my much-improved lung capacity. I also cherish the

friends I have made here, what a gift!  Thank you, Rose, and thank you yoga for seniors! 

Meg, 79

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I am an 81 year old woman who has suffered from what my back surgeon called a “;lousy back”. A second opinion confirmed they did not feel surgery would help and suggested pain medication.  I have been doing Physical Therapy and Therapeutic Pool Aerobics for the last 10 years.  The pain continued most of the time, my balance was off and I used a cane. 

When I saw the ad in the April 2025 Independent for a new Yoga studio that was starting a Yoga class for elders, taught by an elder, I checked it out.  I met Shannon, the owner, and saw the clean and inviting

studio and learned about the instructor, Rose - her medical history and that she was actually older than

me. I tried it and I am hooked. I now have less back pain, can walk longer distances and no longer need

a cane.  Rose is so kind and because of her years of teaching and training, she can often pinpoint where your problems are and help you gain awareness of how to work with them and improve.  I am forever Thankful,  Eileen 81

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I have osteoarthritis, balance issues and a foot injury with surgery pending on it. I practiced yoga years

ago and had to stop due to injuries.  This class is a very gentle practice that accommodates my senior

body without fear of re-injury. In addition to enjoying the movement and overall fitness benefits, the

modifications of the postures for senior bodies is allowing me to enjoy yoga in a new way.  An

unanticipated benefit that began with the first class is that I sleep well on class days.  I believe these

gentle moves relax and ease my body as well as the genuine warmth of the other participants and the

instructor. I look forward to my classes knowing that I do not have to power through poses to achieve

benefits and find community. Miki, 73

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To be transparent, I have avoided yoga all of my life because every time I tried it, I injured my back. When my friend invited me to this class, she said, “I don’t think you will hurt yourself. The instructor pays close attention to each person’s needs and makes thoughtful adjustments.”

With the increasing physical challenges (arthritis, stiffness, balance issues, etc.) that are part of the

autumn season of life, I decided to try it one more time. I am so glad I did.

What I found was a group of women who were facing similar slings and arrows of aging, being honest

about it, and supportive of each other, and an instructor, Rose, who is kind, spiritual, funny, honest, and

skillful in assisting us in learning yoga. She has trained with the best and taught yoga her whole life.

Now, in our 8th month of classes together, we delight in gathering and deepening our practice and

understanding the many gifts that yoga offers. I now practice almost every morning upon arising, feeling hopeful and optimistic about the relief yoga brings from my physical discomforts. This yoga not only strengthens our bodies but also provides relief from the aches and pains that come with aging. Caryl

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I joined senior yoga level II after taking two series (10 classes) of level I last spring. I would like to

improve my balance and overall fitness, and I love the vibe our teacher, Rose, creates.

I’ve participated in three level II classes and intend to finish this series and join the next one when it

begins. Taking Rose’s senior yoga classes has provided calm, mindfulness and presence for me.

Physically, I am aware of greater strength and flexibility.

Susan, 78

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I am so glad I took this class, I have gained so much - not only my body, but my mind also has

strengthened. When I joined the class, I had various movement limitations. Now at the end of eight

months of taking the class, I have improved, balance, posture and stronger muscles. I also have gained

new friends. Rose (our instructor) is really an enlightened soul; she has been practicing and teaching

Yoga for many years and is an excellent, knowledgeable teacher .. I highly recommend her Senior yoga

class. I’m hooked. 

 Jamie, 76

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I joined Senior Yoga because I was looking for a yoga class and was excited to find one that was age

appropriate. My physical challenges are on-going tightness in my shoulders, neck, and upper back.  The movements that Rose has taught me have helped me so much with these aches and pains and have increased my mobility in these areas.  She consistently corrects my alignment during class which carries over to my practice at home. I have been taking this class since it began in January of 2025 with the same group of wonderful women.  We have become a very tight knit group.

Nancy, 75

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I joined the senior yoga class for a slower paced practice. My physical challenges being injuries,

tightness and balance. I have attended several of Rose’s classes. At the end of class I have a feeling of

peacefulness and more energy.

Linda 77

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