YOGA AT 90

KANTILAL TALATI, who turns 90 in October, credits yoga for his good health. He practices a yoga posture in the home he shares with his daughter and son in law in Arlington, Texas. He's a native of India.

He spoke as if he was seated on an examining table, talking with his doctor.

'I am feeling very 'goood,'' he declared.

Any pains?

'No headache. No fever. Never.'

Problem with medications?

Kantilal Talati smiled. 'No med i ca tion.'

The polite, gracious man from India, who turns 90 next month, summarized his well being in economical English.

'I never fall sick. Due to yoga only.'

Arpita Shah's grandfather knelt on the living room carpet of the Arlington, Texas, home where he has lived with his daughter and son in law since leaving Bombay, India, last summer. Limber as an Olympic gymnast, Talati curled his 5 foot, 125 pound frame into a tight ball, and using his head for balance, slowly raised both legs overhead until his inverted body punctuated the accomplishment, forming an exclamation point.

Then Talati lowered his bare feet, turning the soles inward until they met in a posture of prayer.

As he maintained the headstand, the king of yoga poses, his family watched with respect and admiration.

Talati performs a variety of positions, asanas, as part of his disciplined daily yoga schedule.

'Never do I lapse,' he said proudly.

Yoga, an ancient Hindu practice, is aimed at achieving a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility.

Talati devotes one hour every morning to 'pranayam' (breathing exercises), followed by an hour of yoga.

After breakfast he gives yoga lessons to his hosts.

In the afternoon he does another session alone, performing more challenging yoga poses and movements that massage internal organs, enhance blood circulation and act on the joints, increasing strength and flexibility.

According to a yoga philosophy, it's not the number of years that determines a person's age but rather the suppleness of the spine.

Talati credits his 30 year regimen for his good health and longevity.

'I am very young now,' Talati said. "If someone asks me 'How old are you?' I always say, 'I am 18 years!''

By DAVID CASSTEVENS

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