How Does Laughter Boost Elderly Health?

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Though laughing feels great at any age, it has specific physical, mental, and emotional benefits for seniors. Find ways to make your elderly loved one laugh as often as possible for the following reasons.

High Blood Pressure Is Reduced

Elderly people are at increased risk for high blood pressure. A 2009 study by the Maryland School of Medicine found laughing increases blood vessel elasticity. This reduces the force of blood against arterial walls and prevents hardening of arteries, a major cause of heart disease and stroke.

Stress Hormones Are Lowered

Laughter can reduce the secretion of cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. Sustained high levels of these three major stress hormones can lead to:

  • High blood sugar
  • Insulin resistance
  • Suppressed immunity
  • Bone loss
  • Insomnia

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare. Lifestar Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Tight Muscles Are Relaxed

Reduced physical activity can lead to muscle stiffness. However, laughter stimulates muscles in the respiratory system, abdomen, and back, relieving tension throughout the body.

Immunity Is Boosted

Each burst of laughter produces chemicals that protect against illness and disease. These include antibodies, natural killer cells, and white blood cells. Some cancer centers even include laughter therapy in treatment plans to enhance the healing process.

Memory Is Strengthened

Laughter reduces the risk of age-related memory loss, more commonly known as “senior moments.” According to a 2014 study by Loma Linda University, laughter leads to neurochemical changes in the brain that sharpen memory.

Learning Is Enhanced

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, altered connections between brain cells causes cognitive decline over time. Keeping the mind active generates new brain cells and restores neural connections. Studies show laughing helps the brain process information and acquire knowledge, making it important to find reasons for seniors with Alzheimer’s to laugh regularly.

Aggression Is Diffused

The frustrations of aging can prompt hostility. This is especially prevalent among seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Laughter can soothe your loved one’s anger, helping him or her feel calm.

Endorphins Are Released

These chemicals have beneficial effects on both the body and emotions. Endorphins relieve the aches and pains of arthritic joints. Emotional pain can make your loved one feel guarded, threatened, and insecure, but endorphins stimulate friendliness and forgiveness, and they also promote optimism, confidence, and self-esteem.

If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Lifestar Home Care, a leading provider of home care Oklahoma City families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. 

Depression Is Reduced

Seniors can feel dejected and isolated as a result of failing health and the loss of loved ones. The right social connections can lead to laughter and elevate your loved one’s mood and ward off sorrow.

Laughter is beneficial for caregivers as well. Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Oklahoma City families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Lifestar Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today.

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