Photo by Alena Darme
Everybody loves to laugh and have fun; believe it or not, they should take advantage of many health advantages of laughter for senior citizens.
Renee’ Servello, author of You’re Kidding I’m A Senior, knows how important laughter is to the elderly. It’s one of the reasons why she wrote her book in the first place, so we could have fun and grow old with laughter painted on our lips. Laughter, as they say, is the best medicine, after all.
Today, we’ll look at some of the benefits of laughter to senior citizens. So to our old brothers and sisters out there, this one is for you.
Laughter’s Awesome Benefits for Seniors
We laugh since it makes us feel good, but laughter also has a lot of positive health effects. Numerous research studies have examined how laughter affects physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Check out some of the best reasons older people should enjoy a hearty laugh more often.
• Laughter Reduces Stress
Although stress is a normal component of life, significant or persistent stress can result in both physical and mental health issues. Due to the numerous changes in their lives, many people lose a substantial portion of their support system as they age. Seniors are frequently at an elevated risk for developing chronic stress.
One of the best methods to reduce both acute and chronic stress is through laughter. Using humor more regularly might help you deal with challenging situations without allowing them to impair your well-being. Like Renee’ Servello’s book, You’re Kidding I’m A Senior, and her other book “Freckles Finds a Forever Home,” it’s a terrific diversion from stressful life events.
According to research, laughing can lower your cortisol levels, a sign of stress. Adrenaline, another hormone linked to stress, also experiences a decrease. In one study, individuals’ stress levels dropped before watching humorous material.
Stress reduction can be as simple as preparing to chuckle when something amusing arises; by doing that, you’ll enjoy the advantages of laughter quickly.
• Enhances the Strength of One’s Immune System
For optimal health, your immune system depends on various other health aspects. Many of laughter’s health advantages help build a more robust immune system, which is crucial for elders battling common medical ailments.
Your immune system functions as efficiently as possible when you add laughter therapy into your daily routine. The positive effects of decreased stress, lower blood pressure, and stronger muscles all help to improve your immune system.
• Mitigates Anxiety and Depression
If you’re trying to enhance your mental health, laughter might not be all you require. Therapy could be needed if you have trouble conquering mental or emotional problems like sadness or anxiety.
However, some signs of anxiety or depression might be lessened in seniors through laughter. Endorphins, the brain chemicals that improve mood, are released when you laugh.
A good chuckle can help you feel better and enhance your view on life, and routinely including humor in your day can benefit your mental health over the long haul.
• Better Cardiovascular Health
Laughter has advantages that go beyond social or emotional ones. It has a discernible impact on physical health as well. Laughter therapy reduced blood pressure and pulse rate, according to a study that looked at the effects of a weekly stand-up comedy performance on older persons.
Older folks are more likely to experience cardiovascular health issues than younger adults, so any exercises that boost heart health and blood flow are beneficial.
Don’t Stop Enjoying the Advantages of Laughter
It’s essential to keep the train of laughter going long after you’ve passed your prime age. The advantages of laughter for seniors cannot be underestimated, so don’t be shy and keep laughing as much as you can.
If you want to keep laughing your dentures off, grab a copy of Renee’ Servello’s book You’re Kidding I’m A Senior by clicking here!