“By the time you’re 80 years old, you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember it.” This classic quip from beloved senior comedian George Burns is a great example of the unique perspective seniors bring to humor. It’s a good thing that seniors typically have a great sense of humor because the benefits of laughter for seniors are no joke!
Why Do People Call Laughter “The Best Medicine?”
George Burns was one of America’s most popular comedians for over 70 years, and many of the highlights of his career took place while he was a senior. How did he stay active in the business for such a long time? Believe it or not, comedy might have been his secret weapon. Laughter has all kinds of proven benefits for your mental and emotional health, and those benefits are especially relevant for seniors. Do you know the benefits of laughter for seniors?
Laughter Can Keep You Young at Heart
If “you’re only as old as you feel,” laughter is definitely a tool that can help you embrace the younger side of life. Using your sense of humor to navigate difficulties can help you maintain your sense of optimism later in life, making the challenges of senior life easier to overcome. Humor also promotes joy and playfulness, which are key aspects of maintaining a youthful mindset.
Laughter Helps Us Make Social Connections
One of the unfortunate parts of getting older is that it can become harder to maintain social connections, but the good news is that laughter can help. Many seniors benefit from opportunities to stretch their social muscles and make new friends, and laughter is an effective tool for overcoming initial awkwardness and helping those seniors connect. Sharing a laugh with a new acquaintance is a proven way to promote social bonding and strengthen new relationships. So, if you want to make a friend, start by making a joke!
Laughter Is Great for Stress Management
A senior’s golden years are meant to be a time of rest and relaxation, but that doesn’t mean everything gets easier. The life changes that happen as a part of aging can create stress for seniors, which is why it’s wise to learn how to lean on humor while you’re experiencing difficult circumstances. Laughter provides an instant release of endorphins and also triggers your body’s relaxation response, which provides short-term relief from the effects of stress. Laughter can also help you keep your mood elevated and stay positive in difficult situations, making any stressful event easier to handle.
Laughter Can Improve Your Physical Health
Laughter can do a lot to ease your mind, but it can also do a lot for your body. In a recent study, research demonstrated that people who laugh more might actually live longer than people who don’t seek humor in their daily life. Laughter has been shown to boost the immune system, which can help you avoid illness. Laughter is also good for your cardiovascular health and can improve your blood circulation, which may help you avoid heart disease. And if you’re looking for a new way to exercise, laughter even burns calories!
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Now that you know the benefits of laughter for seniors, you can make it a part of your everyday life. Make some time to watch a funny movie or call up a friend who can tell a good joke. You’ll be glad you did.
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