The Importance of Laughter for the Elderly

Laughter often prompts a joyful attitude towards life and has quite a few benefits. It helps you to maintain a positive attitude and stay strong to face challenges and hard times. When it comes to the elderly, laughter can help treat many common diseases like dementia, cancer, or heart conditions. Seniors who laugh a lot are also most likely to live longer and healthier lives.

Here are some more amazing benefits of laughter for seniors:

Reduces Stress Hormone Levels

By reducing the level of stress hormones, the anxiety and stress that impacts your body is cut down. So, the next time you feel stressed for whatever reason, try and cheer yourself up with your favorite comedy show or movie, amusing comic strips or a funny book.

Lowers blood pressure

Research shows that people who laugh even in tough times have lower blood pressure than the average person. You may see a rise during and right after laughing but, quickly drop to normal shortly after. Try to laugh as much as possible.

Leads to the Release of Endorphins 

Endorphins establish a positive state of mind and increase optimism, self-esteem, self-confidence and feelings of self-regard. They also improve mental alertness.

Enhances Immune System

Negative thoughts can affect your body by developing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. On the other hand, positive thoughts can help fight stress and other serious health issues. So, laugh out loud to gain positive thoughts and give your immune system a bit of a boost.

Promotes Better Sleep

        

Laughter helps improve quality of sleep, which is usually affected by various sleep disorders like insomnia or Circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Increases Personal Satisfaction

Laughter can make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It can also help you connect with other people and spread happiness.

So, practice Laughter Yoga, watch comedy movies, enjoy TV shows, or do anything that makes you laugh.

Seniors who find it difficult to manage their health at home can choose to move to Assisted Living. For the best Assisted Living options in Central Ohio, contact Always Best, a trusted senior care organization operating successfully since 1996. Call (614) 284-6764 to find out how they can assist you.