93-Year-Old Santa Monica Yoga Instructor Inspires with Decades of Dedication

A 93-year-old yoga instructor in Santa Monica is inspiring students of all ages, proving that passion and purpose don’t fade with time.

Salomon “Raghavan” Delgado has been teaching yoga for decades, with some students staying with him for more than 40 years. His approach goes beyond physical exercise, focusing instead on mindfulness, relaxation, and connecting with each movement.

Raghavan emphasizes that yoga is not about pushing the body, but about being present. He encourages students to focus on their breathing and posture, creating a sense of calm and balance.

His journey into yoga began with love—he followed a woman he admired to a yoga class and eventually became a teacher himself. He has continued teaching ever since.

Raghavan credits his longevity to a low-stress lifestyle, regular meditation, and a mostly vegetarian diet. Despite personal loss, including the passing of his wife of 54 years, he says yoga has helped him navigate life’s challenges.

Today, he continues to teach, guiding students not just through poses, but through a philosophy of living well and staying present.

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