Stretching One’s Limits: The Development of Self-Efficacy in a Senior Yoga Community

This paper provides scholarly analysis of extant literature regarding the role of selfefficacy in determining behavior change among older adults engaging in the physical activity of yoga. As adults age, they experience physical, social and mental changes that are often difficult to accept and overcome. Due to the physiological changes that occur in the aging process, many older adults experience physical and cognitive limitations, which prevent them from being able to engage in physical activity and retain a sense of independence to perform daily activities and make decisions for themselves. Implications of losing independence and the ability to make decisions deeply impact older adults’ self-efficacy beliefs. Therefore, the present literature review has examined existing scholarship that demonstrates the benefits of engaging in physical activity to regain a sense of agency and enhance self-efficacy beliefs among older adults, aiding them in overcoming the physical and cognitive limitations that may prevent them from exercising.