Yoga question...is there a milder version of the downward dog?!

Yoga question...is there a milder version of the downward dog?

I've been told that the 2 poses one should do everyday is the downward dog and the cobra. Does anyone know of a milder substitute for the downward dog for someone who is older, just getting started with yoga, and has weak upper body strength?...forward fold?

2 weeks ago
Clarification: the goal is not necessarily upper body strength, but to get the same benefits of the downward dog, but without upper body strength as a prerequisite.

2 weeks ago
(It's for my mother-in-law who is in her 60's)

Try this...press your hands together at your heart, then bring your arms way up over your head and touch palms. Take a deep breath and swan-dive forward, as if to touch your toes. Reach as far as you can (touching the floor, if possible) for a few moments. Then, press your hands against your knees and look forward, straightening your back. You will be able to feel the muscles working in your legs, back,and arms. Repeat these steps, and remember your breathing. When these exercises become easy, try the downward-facing dog again. If it's still too hard, try bending your knees. Also, work your heels down, one at a time. Hope this helps, and good luck!!