Hidden Health Benefits of Laughter for Seniors

National Senior Citizens Day was August 21st. We set aside this date to formally recognize the myriad, diverse contributions older Americans have made to our country. Contributions large and small. We’re not just talking about what older folks did when they were young. Some very famous seniors have demonstrated throughout our history that you’re never too old to make an incredible difference in the world around you.

How do you know what the seniors closest to you have accomplished? Just listen. The longer we live, the more great stories we accumulate to share with others. These stories may not all be fun and games, but that’s life. And that’s one of the best reasons for seniors to share their experiences and insights, especially with younger generations.

All seriousness aside, though, there is a lot to be said about the value of humor in our daily lives –especially for seniors.

It’s a Fact: Laughter Is Great Medicine

Laughter has been shown to improve mood, physical health, mental health, and overall well-being in seniors. That put a smile on your face, didn’t it?

• Stress relief
  Lighthearted interactions feel more relaxing. Short or prolonged, laughing helps lower your body’s production of cortisol, the stress hormone. That’s important because chronic stress can increase the risk and effects of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases. Chronic stress can even make you age faster. Laughing also literally relaxes your muscles for as long as 45 minutes.
  
  As an important side note, some studies have shown that by reducing cortisol levels, laughter helps protect your brain’s ability to learn and remember. That’s because cortisol can damage the hippocampus, which controls that part of the brain.
• Improved immunity
  Over time, your body’s immune system becomes less effective. You might be at greater risk for infections and experience slower healing. Laughter helps protect you by boosting production of antibodies and immune cells.
• Healthier heart
  A good laugh increases your respiration and heart rate, giving your heart needed exercise and boosting circulation of well-oxygenated blood throughout your body. That’s vital for healthy organ function and healing.
• Pain relief
  Laughter doesn’t directly relieve pain, of course. However, researchers found that laughter therapy helped reduce the feeling of pain by as much as 50% in cancer patients. They think that’s because laughing releases endorphins, those chemicals that tell your brain that you feel good.
• Social booster
  Sharing jokes and other humorous moments is a great way to connect and engage with people of all ages. This is especially important for seniors, plus scientists say that laughing together with a group provides even greater benefits. Social aspects and the fact that laughter helps reduce stress and elevate mood all contribute to improved mental health.
• Weight loss “tool”
  No joke, 10-15 minutes of laughing uses up about 40 calories. Ice cream, anyone?

Even Faking It Generates Results

You can achieve the above benefits even if you just pretend to laugh. Seriously. Laughter yoga is a real thing. Here are some examples you can try out yourself.

Ready to Have Some Fun?

If you’re ready for a good story or a really good laugh, come join us at Magnolia Manor, where every day is Senior Citizens Day. Whether you move here or simply come to spend some time with our residents, you’ll make new friends. And since we like to focus on carefree living, our residents are always up for some fun.

Give us a call at 1-855-540-LIFE (5433) or contact us online to schedule a tour at one of our eight campuses in south Georgia to learn more about how joyous senior living can truly be!