Q. One of the reasons I really enjoy summer is that school is out and I get to spend so much more time with my grandchildren and great grandchildren. They bring me joy and I smile a lot more when they are around. I also think I feel better physically after spending an afternoon of laughter with them. Can this be true or is it all in my head?
A. It’s not all in your head! Remember the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine”? There are many proven benefits of laughing, either with friends and family or on your own while watching a funny movie or reading a comedic story.
Laughter release endorphins, or chemicals in your body that make you feel better and might temporarily relieve pain. It also improves your mental health by helping you relax and decreasing your anxiety, stress, and anger.
Some studies show that laughter increases blood flow and improves heart functions, while other studies show it has a positive impact on your immune system. Sharing a laugh with others can also make difficult conversations less stressful or soothe tension between individuals.
So how can you incorporate more laughter in your life? Here are tips from the Mayo Clinic and others:
- Keep simple items that make you laugh close at hand. These could be photos, cards, comics, or books.
- Schedule regular time to watch a funny television show or movie at home. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can also find shorter humorous videos on the internet.
- Find ways to laugh at yourself. We’ve all been in situations that we can now look back on and smile or chuckle.
- Stay connected to family and friends who you can share funny anecdotes or stories with. Having lunch with others at your local senior center once a week is an easy way to do this.
We all have our own unique senses of humor and what makes one person laugh may not be the least bit funny to another. Take some time and think about the things that make you laugh the most. And don’t be afraid to share them with others around you so that you can bring some welcomed humor into their lives as well.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
