ContributionYoga for healthy aging in a fast-changing world

India's Ambassador to Korea Gourangalal Das / Courtesy of Embassy of India in Korea

On June 21, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, hundreds of people will gather at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul to celebrate a time-honored practice that remains remarkably relevant.

Yoga, tracing its semantic roots to the Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning “to unite” or “to join,” has for generations acted as a unifying force, bringing people together in search of holistic well-being, inner peace and harmony.

I notice yoga studios all around Seoul and in other cities in Korea, showing that it is being embraced not merely as a form of physical exercise but as a way of life. Now, with International Day of Yoga in its second decade, yoga has proven its transformative power from the banks of the Ganges to the streets of Seoul, exemplifying the practice’s enduring message that despite our differences, we are connected by a shared humanity.

This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” holds particular relevance for Korea, which is among the world’s fastest-aging societies. As life expectancy continues to rise, humanity has turned to medicine and technology to unlock the secrets of longevity. Long before healthy aging became a subject of scientific research, the ancient sages of India developed a holistic system that sought not merely to extend life, but to enhance its quality and purpose.

One of the greatest concerns associated with aging is the decline in cognitive function. Reduced concentration and age-related cognitive impairment can significantly affect the quality of life. Yoga combines physical exercises, breathing and meditation techniques that support both physical and mental health. Studies show that regular yoga and meditation practices can help improve concentration, support memory and reduce stress.

Today, Korea is at the forefront of technological innovation, and artificial intelligence is already helping to improve health care and support older populations. These advances are important. Yet technology cannot substitute for self-discipline, effective stress management and meaningful social connections, all of which contribute to long-term well-being. Powerful as technology may be, it cannot teach us self-awareness, emotional balance or inner resilience. Yoga helps cultivate these qualities.

Likewise, in a society often acclaimed for its “ppali ppali” (a Korean expression meaning “hurry up” or “do it quickly”) culture, yoga is a powerful reminder that the qualities required of a marathon runner are not the same as those for a 100-meter sprint, and cultivating balance and slowness sometimes help us reconnect with ourselves.

The future of healthy aging may therefore lie not in choosing between ancient wisdom and modern innovation, but in bringing them together. As technology extends the possibilities of human life, yoga reminds us that a longer life is meaningful only if we remain physically active, mentally alert and connected to those around us.

While the 21st century may be shaped by artificial intelligence, perhaps the secret to living well within it may lie in a practice that has guided people for over 3,000 years.

Gourangalal Das is India's Ambassador to Korea.