A dose of happiness, a glass full of humour and a shot of laughter – these are some remedies that can instantly cheer up any person. Sometimes, we get so busy in our hectic lifestyle, that we forget to appreciate one of our greatest gifts - Lauhgter.
You might have heard about hasyayoga, laughter clubs or ‘laughter therapy’. While on the outside, it may seem like a silly thing to do, but laughter therapy can well and truly do wonders for a person’s state of mind and overall health, especially for the elderly
With that being said, here are some surprising benefits of laughter for seniors.
Reduced stress, anxiety and depression
Dopamine levels are said to shoot up when you laugh, and these stress-busting chemicals help lower the impact of anxiety and depression on our body.
Increased endorphin levels
Laughing increases the production of endorphins and cortisol, natural painkillers that our body manufactures internally.
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Laughing out loud helps oxygenate the blood and regulate its flow, thus having a positive impact with those suffering from high cholesterol and cardiovascular problems.
Better respiration
Laughing works the diaphragm and the muscles in your abdomen, thus enabling regularized breathing among people who have respiratory issues.
Improved immunity
Laughter is said to trigger the release of a lot of T-cells which stimulate the human immune system.
Muscle relaxation
Laughing hard literally works several muscles at the same time, relieving muscle tension and physical stress that may have accumulated over time.
Yes, the benefits of laughing hysterically are boundless and we haven’t even touched upon the most important ones… the mental and social benefits!
So, here are some ideas to help you spark that streak of happiness and indulge in a whole lot of hysterical laughter:
1. Games
Games like Antakshari or Online Tambola have become the new trend among seniors. You can now play these games with people from all over the country right from the comfort of your home. Playing these exciting games will esnure that have a fun time and will surely bring back some fond childhood memories.
2. Comedy Events
What better way to ensure loads of laughter, than to attend a live comedy event? Watching a live stand-up comic performance is an exciting experience and is something that seniors must surely try out. Elders can also attend virtual comedy events for a safe and unique experience.
3. Pets
People who live with dogs and cats are known to be happier than those who do not have any pets. These little creatures not only give you company and love but are also a great source of entertainment.
4. Children
Senior citizens are known to be very fond of toddlers and young children. Make sure the elderly individuals in your family get to spend as much time as they can with their grandchildren. In case there are no kids in the house, you can take them to a nearby park or playing area where they can watch other kids have fun.
