You’ve heard the old proverb, “Laughter is the best medicine,” but did you know that there’s actual proof that laughter is a healing mechanism. Although your arthritis might not go away, there’s some medical evidence that proves laughing has a positive biological affect on the body.
Medical evidence is suggesting that the immune system is strengthen and stress hormones, like cortisol and epinephrine, are lowered when a chuckling snort or a convulsing chortle are released. Moreover, it’s even being proposed that a good roar of laughter releases neuronal signaling molecules, known as neuropeptiles, which influence brain activity and can act as a natural, biological pain reducer.
Moreover, being around youthful, funny, people can also affect one’s moods. Retirement communities may be a good idea for some, but the reality is that when you’re around older people who are in pain and dying off, that energy can affect you; whereas mixed neighborhoods with families can make an old mind youthful again because elders feel better when watching children laugh and play. Older adults interested in remaining in their own homes and communities that make them feel good may want to look into a medical alert system so they can continue living safely and independent.
So if you want to feel better call that friend that always makes you chuckle, or watch that TV show that puts a guttural giggle in your tummy, or just take some good ol’ fashion advice from Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up, and “think of a happy thought.” And remember, when life’s aches and pains start to act up – just laugh it off!
