The many benefits of laughter:
It’s widely understood that laughter has health benefits to offer everyone, and this is especially true for seniors. Seniors, who are at risk for depression, heart disease, pain and weaker immunity than the younger population, have a lot to gain from lightening up and laughing. The health benefits of laughter include these important effects:
It boosts endorphin levels. Endorphins are natural pain killers produced by the brain.
Laughter lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Laughter has been shown to increase the level of oxygen in the blood, and helps improve circulation.
It also reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Laughter naturally decreases stress by boosting dopamine levels, along with other stress-reducing chemicals in our body.
Laughter exercises our diaphragm and abdominal muscles, which is good for any of us, but especially helpful for seniors with asthma or bronchitis. You can see more about that here: Respiratory Therapy Dyer.
For all of the reasons above, laughter also enhances the functioning of the immune system.
Whether you read a humorous book, watch a funny movie, spend time with friends who make you laugh, or practice laughter yoga, it doesn’t matter what makes you laugh, the effects are the same. It’s beneficial for all ages. So go brush up on your joke repertoire, and have some fun today.