Page 4 - Healthcare News 2025 Senior Planning Guide

“Why does
laughter matter?
Because it’s
healthy for the
mind, body, and
soul.”
The Serious Business of Joy
Why Having Fun Is Essential to Healthy Aging
By Kathy Martin
Getting older comes with a full plate of respon-
sibilities. From managing health concerns
and financial planning to navigating family
dynamics and estate matters, the list of ‘serious
stuff’ seems to grow longer with each passing year.
Whether you’re still working or enjoying retirement,
it’s easy to let the weight of these obligations crowd
out something just as vital to your well-being: fun.
Yes, fun. Joy. Laughter. Play. These aren’t just nice-
to-haves; they’re essential ingredients for a long,
healthy, and fulfilling life.
The Science of Laughter
In the mid-1990s, Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician
in Mumbai, India, sparked a global movement
by tapping into the healing power of laughter.
He founded the first Laughing Club, blending
intentional laughter with deep breathing and
stretching. This evolved into what we now know
as laughter yoga, a playful, social, and surprisingly
effective wellness practice.
Why does laughter matter? Because it’s healthy
for the mind, body, and soul. Here’s what a good
laugh can do:
•
Lift your mood by increasing oxygen intake and
reducing cortisol, the stress hormone.
•
Strengthen social bonds and reduce feelings of
isolation.
•
Boost brain health by improving blood flow,
memory, and focus.
•
Build resilience by helping you cope with stress
more effectively.
•
Defuse tension and lighten difficult
conversations.
•
Support your immune system and improve sleep
quality.
In short, laughter isn’t just contagious
—
it’s
therapeutic.
Making Joy a Priority
The real challenge
—
and opportunity
—
is to
make fun a deliberate part of your life. That means
holding space for the things that bring you joy and
being open to discovering new ones. Here are some
ideas to spark your imagination:
•
Love music? Attend a summer concert series or
open mic night. Dust off that guitar or take up a new
instrument. Or sign up for vocal lessons
—
singing is
great for your lungs and your spirit.
•
Feeling crafty? Join a local art class for jewelry
making, watercolor, calligraphy and more. Explore
DIY projects or creative workshops at your local
senior center.
•
Want to get your game on? Move beyond solo
apps like Wordle and join a Scrabble or Mahjong
group. Or host a game night with friends
—
puzzles,
chess, bridge, or Bananagrams.
•
Want to give back? Volunteer with a nonprofit
that aligns with your passions, mentor younger
generations, or help out at local events.
•
Feeling competitive? Join a golf or pickleball
league, or learn to play for the first time. Walk with
a neighbor, cycle with friends, or try a new fitness
class.
•
Hungry for knowledge? Start or join a book
club. Take a class, attend a lecture, or learn a new
language. Visit
museums or
historical sites in
your area.
•
Craving
Joy
Continued on page 41
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