Laughter Boosts Senior Health

Elderly adults have plenty of things to cause them stress, from health and finances to the loss of a loved one. However, family caregivers and home care aides that want the best for the aging adult should realize that laughter and humor have the remarkable ability to heal.

Homecare in Riverhead NY: Laughter is Best Medicine

Emotional Health Benefits of Laughter

Studies show that good humor really can bring about good health in elderly adults. Laughter has been linked to better health for people of all ages. In fact, when seniors have a good sense of humor and can find all kinds of things to laugh about in life, they are less likely to develop depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Laughter is also linked to self-esteem and emotional well-being. Researchers found that elderly adults that rated themselves as laughing regularly were better able to cope with challenging life events, such as financial woes, disease, or grief. While the trauma associated with these life events were not lessened, the senior’s ability to cope with it and find ways to manage their stress increased.

Interestingly, laughter can even have a positive effect on elderly adults that are suffering from conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. When these aging adults are encouraged to laugh more, they tend to be more positive and happy. Studies show that elderly adults with these kinds of conditions that laugh more frequently are often less aggressive and experienced fewer mood swings.

Physical Health Benefits of Laughter

Having a sense of humor and taking time to find joy in life certainly has emotional benefits but most people don’t realize that there are definite physical benefits of laughter as well. Laughter is one of the best ways to relieve stress for people of all ages. When stressed, the body gets flooded with hormones that cause wear and tear over time. Laughter provides a natural way to lower those stress hormones to less damaging levels.

Another physical health benefits of laughter include the release of endorphins to relieve pain and relax the muscles. Lower blood pressure, higher oxygen levels in the bloodstream, increased circulation and boosts the immune system. Interestingly, studies also show that people with a more optimistic outlook on life and a good sense of humor are more likely to live longer than those who don’t.

How to Encourage Laughter With a Senior

Seniors run the risk of being rather lonely and isolated because they are retired and usually less mobile Isolation doesn’t open many doors to laughter, so family caregivers must make sure their aging loved one gets as much laughter into their day as possible. TV shows, movies, family events, home care assistant interaction and more can be the best way for seniors to get their daily laughs.

It’s important that elderly adults get proper medical attention to manage any chronic illnesses as well as the aches and pains of old age. However, there’s one important factor that family caregivers can do to improve their aging loved one’s health and wellness that doesn’t come from the doctor—laughter.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Homecare in Riverhead, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.

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Health Benefits of Laughter