Why Laughter is The Best Medicine (Especially As We Age)
"The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed." Bennett Cerf
They say laughter is the best medicine, and they’re not wrong. Laughter has a plethora of benefits, especially as we age. For seniors, laughter provides many short-term and long-term health benefits. According to a report, published by ScienceDaily, laughter has been linked to a senior's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. At Comfort Keepers, located in Osseo, we understand the power of joy and laughter and how positivity can impact the health of the seniors in our care. Creating moments of Joy is something that the Comfort Keepers brand stands behind. In fact, Comfort Keepers created a special day, The National Day of Joy, in 2019 to celebrate the impact a daily dose of joy provides our clients and the communities we serve.
Below are just a couple of the benefits of laughter and why it truly is the best medicine for seniors and other adults in the Osseo community.
Laughter Improves Physical Health
Laughter has long been known as a great form of medicine for the mind and soul, but it can also have a significant impact on physical health. When people laugh, their body releases feel-good hormones which help reduce stress. This in turn leads to a host of physical benefits such as improving digestion, relieving pain, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. According to a senior health study led by Georgia State University, incorporating laughter into a senior's physical activity program that is focused on strength, balance, and flexibility could improve older adults’ mental health, aerobic endurance, and confidence in their ability to exercise.
Laughter Reduces Stress
Another way that laughter can improve a senior's health is by helping them cope with stress. Stress can take a toll mentally and physically, and can especially be damaging in moments of isolation, a common problem within the senior community. Studies have shown that stress contributes to anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and a host of other health problems in seniors. Laughter and joy decrease stress hormones and increase immune cells and antibodies, a natural stress reliever.
Laughter Connects Us with Others
One of the most amazing benefits of laughter is the connection it creates with others. For seniors, it is essential to maintain social connections to reduce the risk of isolation and depression. Laughter truly brings people together, something we know very well at Comfort Keepers. There is something truly special about watching clients and their caregivers laugh together and create real moments of joy.
In-Home Care Can Provide Laughter, Joy, and Companionship
Not only does in-home care provide practical benefits, but it also can bring joy into the lives of those receiving care. Comfort Keepers enables seniors and other adults to remain healthy, happy, and independent in their homes throughout Osseo, Maple Grove, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and the surrounding Minneapolis communities. Through our unique approach to in-home care, Interactive Caregiving, we help seniors in the community live a purposeful life filled with memories and laughter.
Our in-home care services include:
- Companion Care to preserve mental health and social wellbeing
- Personal Care to maintain activities of daily living, such as dressing and grooming
- Safety Care, including personal emergency response systems and medication safety
- Senior Transportation to safely provide rides for seniors to and from appointments or activities
- Technology support to help keep seniors in touch with family and friends
- Respite care to provide temporary relief for family and other primary caregivers
- Private duty nursing with Registered Nurses (RNs) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to offer advanced care
- Specialized care services, including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, 24-hour care, and post-hospital care
