Laughter can have an incredible impact on senior health, especially for older adults who laugh heartily and often. While everyone knows a good laugh can lift the spirits, few people are aware of the amazing effects laughter has on short- and long-term physical wellbeing. Following are four health benefits of laughter that give aging adults reason to start pursuing mirth relentlessly.
1. Provides a Cardiovascular Workout
Laughter is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, especially for people who aren’t able to engage in other high-energy activities. Surprisingly, it burns the same amount of calories as taking a short walk at a comfortable pace. Laughter gets the heart pumping and boosts blood flow in just a matter of seconds.
Getting regular exercise is a great way to stay healthy in the golden years. However, some seniors may need assistance with physical activity. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of at-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. Works Muscles & Then Relaxes Them
A good hearty laugh can give the stomach an incredible workout. That’s why the best laughs often leave people doubled over, gasping for breath, and holding their sides. This is not only the most fun anyone can have while toning the abdominal region, but it’s also guaranteed to be followed by a state of relaxation. Laughing causes every muscle to relax for a period that can last up to 45 minutes.
3. Activates T Cells
Laughing activates the T cells that are specifically designed to help the body fight disease. It also boosts the immune system in other ways. Thus, whether facing an illness or infection or just hoping to prevent these things from occurring, living a life full of merriment could be a senior’s best defense.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Frederick, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
4. Gets Rid of Stress Hormones
When someone laughs loud and long, the body gets flooded with mood-boosting chemicals known as endorphins. The levels of stress hormones that cause feelings of tension and anxiety also start to decrease, so if your loved one has been feeling depressed, stressed, or jittery, letting go and laughing can help him or her instantly move into a brighter and significantly more positive state of mind.
Laughter is beneficial for caregivers as well, and family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs extensive senior home care, Frederick, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. If you need professional care for your loved one, Assisting Hands Home Care is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (301) 786-5045.
