Millions of people worldwide celebrated the 12th [1] International Day of Yoga on June 21 [3] with a focus on healthy ageing.

The global observance highlights the role of yoga in combating rising levels of stress and depression. By promoting mental balance and physical well-being, the initiative seeks to demonstrate that yoga is a viable tool for health at every stage of life [1, 2].

This year's theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” emphasizes that the practice is suitable for all age groups [1, 2]. Celebrations took place across various countries and cultures, including a significant large-scale gathering in Kolkata, India [2].

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the events and discussed the expanding reach of the practice. He said that yoga enriches every aspect of life, ranging from basic fitness to the achievement of inner peace [2].

Modi said, "Yoga has evolved into the world's largest community celebration, bringing together people across countries, cultures, and generations" [2].

The 12th [1] edition of the event continues a trend of increasing global participation since the day was first established. Organizers focused on the inclusivity of the practice, ensuring that both youth and seniors could engage in the activities, to foster a holistic approach to public health [1, 2].

“Yoga for Healthy Ageing”

The shift toward 'Healthy Ageing' as a central theme reflects a growing global public health priority to address the needs of an aging population. By framing yoga as a scalable intervention for both mental and physical health, the initiative attempts to integrate traditional practices into modern healthcare strategies to mitigate the effects of chronic stress and age-related decline.