Laughter is the best medicine—especially for seniors

The average 4-year-old laughs 300 times a day. Yet, as we age, we laugh less often, as few as 15 to 20 times a day as an adult, according to Psychology Today. For older adults and seniors, it’s particularly important to get that count a bit higher.

Despite the challenges that come with aging – the potential aches and pains, the stress of managing a household, possible medical issues, all of which can cut down on the reasons to laugh – the extra effort to keep laughing is definitely worth it.

Looking at family photos, sharing old memories, and visits from grandchildren and great grandchildren can be great ways to share everything from quiet chuckles to full-blown belly laughs with seniors. Watching favorite movies or comedians, sharing silly emails or memes—no matter what the source, laughter brings a number of health benefits, both physical and mental.

Laughter Improves Heart Health

When you laugh, you improve the function of your blood vessels, which in turn increases your blood flow. And good blood flow can help protect you from a heart attack or other cardiovascular issues.

Laughter Reduces Stress

Your brain releases endorphins to help reduce stress and manage physical pain. Common activities that boost endorphins include exercise, yoga, or — unsurprisingly — laughter. 

Reducing stress through activities like these will help reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system, soothes tension in muscles and relaxes the mind. Endorphins also help improve sleep. 

Laughter Helps Fight Depression

One of the most crucial health benefits of laughter for seniors is that it can help fight depression. Seniors are most likely to be impacted by depression when they’re facing a challenging transition, struggling with the loss of independence, experiencing chronic illness, or dealing with grief, loneliness, and isolation. Laughing can actually reduce the severity of feelings of depression by combating stress hormones and improving self-esteem and overall outlook.

Laughter Improves the Memory

Trying to remember details can become more stressful as you age, which is why laughter’s power to improve memory is so special. While the stress hormone cortisol can eat away at short-term memory function, those stress hormones are reduced through laughter, giving the brain time to repair itself from the damage that cortisol does.

Laughter Promotes Fitness

Laughing is a great way to move your body and promote physical fitness. Of course, it’s no substitute for regular exercise, it does engage and strengthen core muscles and gets your blood pumping. Many people even feel more energetic after a fit of laughter strikes.

Laughter Combats Anxiety 

Chronic anxiety can lead to negative health outcomes, especially for older adults. Regular laughter can decrease feelings of anxiety and worry, providing more stability and confidence to live with purpose.

Laughter Inspires Connection

Perhaps the most underestimated positive outcome of laughter is that it inspires connection. Building a healthy sense of community is crucial to maintaining good mental health and overall wellbeing. Humor and laughter are essential human experiences that connect people and create a sense of purpose and belonging.

That’s why Crimson Village creates opportunities for fun and laughter every day. In addition to the natural giggles that come with craft projects, sing-a-longs, and other community activities, Crimson Village even brings in occasional guests like with Jack Blankenship, the Alabama Face Guy, who currently works on the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.

You can learn more about the social environment at Crimson Village – as well as the many other amenities, floor plans, and medical support – by clicking here and filing out our “Contact Us” form or contacting our helpful team members by email at marketing@crimsonvillage.com or by phone at 205-632-6699 to discuss your specific needs.