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Self-Care Isn’t About Being Selfish — It’s About Being Proactive for Your Health

angelleditor on July 31, 2023

For those who are accustomed to putting others’ needs first, caring for oneself might seem self-indulgent or even selfish. This can be especially true for older adults who’ve spent most of their lives taking care of other people — their children, their aging parents, maybe their spouse and possibly even their grandchildren.

The truth is, always putting other people’s needs ahead of our own eventually takes a toll on our health, whether physically, mentally, emotionally or some combination thereof. We may not realize the price we’re paying until something serious happens that forces us to evaluate our priorities and routines.

At any age, the best way to ensure you can be there for other people when they need you is to be sure you’re practicing self-care.

What Is Self-Care?

Although engaging in self-care might look different from one person to the next, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers this basic definition:

“Taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.”

Self-Care for Seniors

In light of this description, self-care for seniors isn’t really all that different from self-care for younger people. While older adults might engage in different self-care activities and may have more time to focus on self-care, taking care of ourselves is important at every age.

Whether you’re an older adult or you care about someone who is, practicing self-care can help seniors stay independent longer and add to their quality of life.

6 Highly Effective Self-Care Steps Seniors Can Take to Improve Their Health and Well-Being

Given the NIMH’s broad definition of self-care, many of the steps on this list won’t come as a surprise. Several are standard recommendations for leading a healthy lifestyle. The key is to find easy and enjoyable ways of incorporating them into your routine so you’ll be more likely to stick with them.

  1. Make regular physical activity a priority.
    If you’re not fond of exercise, that’s all right. There are plenty of ways to be active that don’t involve “traditional” exercise. Consider dancing or gardening — as long as it involves whole-body movements and at least some moderate exertion. Swimming and water aerobics classes are good options that are easier on your joints than some other physical activities. You may also find that taking classes or going on walks with a friend, or working with a personal trainer, helps to make being physically active more appealing. Not only is being active good for your body; it helps you feel better mentally and emotionally.
  2. Nurture your relationships through social activities.
    As we get older, staying connected with others becomes increasingly important. Spending quality time with friends and family can fend off feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression. Our social circles can grow smaller after retirement, and it can become more challenging to meet new people. But with some effort and a little creativity, we can form new friendships at any age. If you want to expand your social connections, try looking into what’s offered at the senior center in your community. Volunteer at a school, food pantry or charitable organization near you. Develop some new interests by exploring classes at a nearby community college — which leads us to the next step on this list:
  • Stimulate your mind.
    In most cases, retirement opens more time for recreation, hobbies and other pleasurable pursuits. When deciding how to spend your days, be sure to include activities that will give your brain a boost. Lifelong learning courses are an excellent choice. So is learning a new skill or hobby, such as photography, painting or traveling; or when you have the opportunity to experience a different culture. Maybe you’re interested in learning how to play a musical instrument, speaking a new language or earning a degree in something you’ve always been interested in. Now that you have the time, why not go for it?
  • Focus on good nutrition and getting enough sleep.
    Eating a balanced diet that includes nutritious foods such as fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats benefits your body and your brain — as does getting an adequate amount of good-quality sleep. For example, both will pay dividends in terms of your immune system, cardiovascular health, memory and mood. The National Institute on Aging offers helpful tips for better sleep, such as adhering to a regular sleep schedule every day, finding ways to relax before bedtime that don’t involve blue light from a phone, computer or TV screen, and avoiding long naps late in the day. 
  • Get out!
    Being outside can benefit your health in many ways, and you don’t have to be an avid outdoorsman (or woman) or travel to a remote destination to reap the rewards. Taking a walk in the park, a stroll along the beach or even a breather in your backyard can lower stress, provide fresh air and give you a different perspective. Pay attention to the sights, sounds and other sensations of nature: birdsong, the breeze, the bright, beautiful assortment of colors in a flowerbed, the feel of the sun on your face. In a pinch, just looking at photos taken in a natural setting (or even a view of nature from your window) can help you relax and unwind.
  • Lift your spirits by laughing more.
    It’s often said that laughter is good for the soul. Turns out it’s good for the body, too. Having a good laugh can reduce stress, improve immunity, relax tense muscles and improve blood flow to your heart and brain. Even if laughing doesn’t come to you naturally, making yourself laugh still has health benefits. If you feel silly sitting there forcing yourself to laugh, let your fingers head over to YouTube where you can watch video clips from old comedy shows or giggle at animals being goofy. Better yet, call up a friend and make plans to go see a live comedy performance.

There are many other ways to practice self-care. Think about what you enjoy doing that helps you live well and improves your mental and physical health. That’s what self-care is all about.

Ultimately, you’ll feel more satisfied with life through self-care — and that makes the effort absolutely worthwhile.

Self-Care Soon Becomes Second Nature at Emerald Heights

From the delicious, nutritious dining and the ease of forming new friendships, to the scenic natural environment and the never-ending opportunities to participate in an active, healthy lifestyle, new residents in our community soon find it’s exceptionally easy to practice self-care.

Since our staff handles all of the maintenance and so many of the usual everyday household tasks, residents have more time to prioritize self-care. It’s also easy to lock the front door and head out for a hike on our nature path, or a longer adventure, on the spur of the moment.

If you’re interested in discovering more about these and the many other ways in which we simplify self-care for seniors, complete this brief contact form and we’ll gladly get in touch with you.

Featured Image: LightPoet / Shutterstock

How Memory Care Enhances Quality of Life for Those Living With Alzheimer’s Disease

angelleditor on June 20, 2023

memory care quality of life for alzheimers patients

Each year, in observance of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month in June, the Alzheimer’s Association asks people to wear purple throughout the month to help bring greater awareness to the disease that currently affects an estimated 6.7 million adults age 65 and older — and their families.

Still No Cure, Though Hope Persists

Although Alzheimer’s is by far the most common cause of dementia (accounting for up to 80% of all cases), there are other types of dementia. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, which leads to difficulties with memory, thinking and behavior, but researchers continue to search for one. In the meantime, new treatments have been approved in the last couple of years to treat the symptoms of the disease.

Many years can pass before symptoms appear, and even after a diagnosis has been made, older adults living with the disease may be able to remain in their home with appropriate care, whether it’s provided by family members or skilled professionals who provide in-home care. But, as the disease progresses and symptoms worsen, the care provided in the home may not be enough.

When Home Care Is No Longer Adequate

In later stages of the disease, people living with Alzheimer’s may require around-the-clock supervision to ensure their safety and the safety of others. They are also likely to need increasing assistance with activities of daily living.

Many people with advanced Alzheimer’s tend to wander, and if left unattended they can become lost. Memory issues may lead them to forget to turn off the stove or bathtub faucet. They may forget to take their prescribed medications or take incorrect doses.

Before someone with dementia reaches the point where any of these scenarios could occur, it’s wise to consider other care alternatives.

Asking for Help Is Not Admitting Defeat

If family members have been providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, they may become overwhelmed and exhausted. Other relationships and responsibilities may be affected. But despite their struggles, family caregivers may feel guilty about seeking help.

In virtually all cases, getting help — for instance, by finding a qualified and comfortable memory care or memory support community — is the kindest thing they can do for themselves and their loved one. The person with Alzheimer’s benefits in many ways, which we’ll expand on below, and family members can rest assured their loved one is in good hands. They can resume their roles as spouse, daughter, son or sibling, providing love, support and encouragement.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is a higher level of assisted living or skilled nursing care that is designed to meet the specific needs of those with dementia or cognitive impairment. These needs are varied, ranging from physical and medical needs to social and emotional requirements.

Memory care takes a holistic approach, treating the person rather than the disease. The overarching goal is to help people with memory issues associated with cognitive impairment or dementia maintain as much dignity and independence as possible.

Specialized Care Providers

Memory care staff are trained to provide personalized care that can help each person participate in activities to the best of their abilities, enjoy relationships with others and potentially improve their physical and emotional well-being. In short, this specialized care helps people experiencing cognitive challenges or dementia live fuller, more rewarding lives.

Staff members in memory care communities treat the people they care for with respect and compassion, often forming close bonds with them. They also know that family members can feel anxious about their loved ones, so they’re conscientious about offering support to them as well.

And, because memory care staff often have specialized training in dementia care, they know what to watch for and can monitor residents for physical and behavioral changes, adapting each person’s care plan as necessary to achieve the best results.

Additional Benefits of Memory Care for Seniors

Along with the advantages of living in a calming, structured, secure environment with attentive, specially trained staff to attend to their needs around the clock, residents in memory care communities benefit from:

  • Nutritious meals. It’s not uncommon for people with dementia to forget — or refuse — to eat. Most memory care communities provide three meals and snacks each day that meet the specific nutritional requirements of older adults while accommodating their personal preferences and dietary needs. Many communities incorporate diets associated with enhanced brain health.

    Memory care staff are experienced in communicating with residents who demonstrate resistant behavior, which can arise at mealtime. They work with each person to develop tailored care techniques that can successfully avoid the triggers that lead to such behaviors.

  • Engaging, personalized activities. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it becomes harder for those who have the disease to communicate and express themselves. As a result, they withdraw from social activities, conversations and even pastimes and hobbies they’ve enjoyed for many years.

    Professional caregivers in a memory care community are adept at using various activities with sensory stimuli, such as musical games and karaoke, art projects, gardening and baking, to engage residents on their own level and give them opportunities to participate in a group setting. They also spend time individually with residents, getting to know them, drawing them into conversations and, if appropriate, giving them simple tasks so they have a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

    Living in this type of environment, where they are with others like themselves as well as familiar staff and caregivers, residents always have opportunities to socialize if they want to. Not only does this keep them from feeling isolated, but it is also beneficial for their cognitive health.

  • Access to health services. Whether or not they’re part of a larger senior living community with a health center, many memory care communities have nurses and certified nurse assistants on staff to provide medication management, health monitoring and other related services. In some cases, a medical director may be part of the staff or a physician may be on call at all times.

    In most memory care communities, the staff also works closely with residents’ doctors, and transportation to medical appointments is available.

Protecting Brain Health

Although a decline in some cognitive processes — such as processing speed and certain memory and executive function abilities — is common as we get older, neither cognitive impairment nor dementia are part of the normal aging process.

Age-related changes in cognitive abilities vary considerably from one person to the next. Some differences can be linked to genetics. Other factors that contribute to cognitive decline include medical illnesses, psychological conditions, and hearing and vision impairments.  

Fortunately, research indicates there are steps we can take to safeguard brain function and potentially lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The National Institute on Aging offers this list of lifestyle behaviors, with detailed information for each, that may make a difference in cognitive decline:

  • Take care of your physical health
  • Manage high blood pressure
  • Eat foods that promote good health
  • Be physically active
  • Keep your mind active
  • Stay connected socially
  • Manage stress

These same steps may also be helpful in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Research Association.

Choosing the Right Memory Care Community

There can be substantial differences among memory care communities, and choosing one for someone you care about is a big decision.

After doing preliminary research, you’ll want to spend time in the communities that seem like they may be a good fit. Tour the community to see what kind of security precautions are in place and check out the dining areas and menus. See what kind of wellness programs and social activities are available.

While you’re there, talk with the caregivers, if possible. At the very least, observe as they interact with residents so you can get a feel for what kind of approach they take. Ask about any special qualifications they may have to work with people who have dementia.   

Ultimately, if you find more than one memory care community that meets all of your requirements, you may end up choosing the one where you think your loved one would be most content.

Memory Support at Emerald Heights

At Emerald Heights, we make it a priority to treat all residents, including those in our memory support neighborhood, with patience, kindness and respect. It’s important to us that they feel comfortable and at home, whether they’re with us for independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care or memory care.

Our memory support staff is specially trained to care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, providing customized care to meet each person’s unique needs. We also understand the emotional toll dementia can take on family members, so we offer them support throughout the memory loss journey as well.

We also offer some advantages you may not find elsewhere in the Redmond area.

For instance, our Life Care concept gives those who move to Emerald Heights as independent living residents priority access to all levels of care offered right here in our community — including memory support, should they need it. The only additional costs at that point would be for meals, personal care and ancillary costs, which makes preparing for whatever lies ahead much simpler.

Something else that sets us apart from many communities is the option to join us directly at the assisted living level when we have residences available.   There’s a lot to consider, and we’re here to answer your questions. If you’re ready to schedule a visit, let us know and we’ll arrange a time that’s convenient for you.

Featured Image: Jake Johnson Photography, 2021 

Older Americans Month: An Opportunity to Tackle Some Common Myths About Aging

angelleditor on May 30, 2023

common myths about aging

In April 60 years ago, President John F. Kennedy met with members of the National Council of Senior Citizens to discuss the challenges and unmet needs of millions of older adults in this country.

As a result of that meeting, May was designated Senior Citizens Month, the precursor of Older Americans Month. Now, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) creates a themed campaign every year encouraging organizations, groups and individuals to celebrate Older Americans Month.

2023: The Year of Aging Unbound

This year’s theme for Older Americans Month is “Aging Unbound.” The ACL says the theme “offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes [of aging].”

Society, at least in the U.S., tends to discount and devalue the positive aspects of being an older adult. Myths about aging can prevent seniors from getting the most out of their retirement years. And because these myths exist, communities across the country overlook a precious asset.    

At Emerald Heights, we believe education plays a prominent role in eliminating the misconceptions that many people — including many seniors — have about aging. Eventually, as the myths fade, more seniors will know what it’s like to live unbound by the stereotypes of aging.

Here we provide information to help dispel five common fallacies about growing older.

Myth #1: Dementia is an inevitable part of aging.

One reason this myth is so pervasive is that many people don’t understand what dementia is. The terms dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same.

Differentiating Dementia from Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia is not a specific disease. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60%-80% of all cases, there are other types and causes of dementia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines dementia as “a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities.”

The CDC acknowledges that some age-related memory changes are normal. These might manifest in behaviors such as occasionally misplacing items or the temporary inability to think of a specific word or recall an acquaintance’s name.

By comparison, the signs and symptoms of dementia, which vary from one person to the next, are generally more serious and more obvious. They can include:

  • Getting lost in familiar surroundings
  • Forgetting the name of a close friend or relative
  • Using peculiar words when referring to familiar objects
  • Forgetting old memories

Dementia can affect a person’s memory and the ability to pay attention, communicate, reason, make sound judgments and solve problems.  

Most Seniors Do Not — and Will Not — Have Dementia

Research conducted at Columbia University and published in 2022 found that 22% of adults age 65 or older had mild cognitive impairment, while slightly less than 10% had dementia.

Advancing age increased the percentages: 3% of those between the ages of 65 and 69 had dementia, whereas 35% of those who were at least 90 years old did. 

These numbers reveal that even among those 90-99 years of age, the majority of older adults do not have dementia.

Further, while CDC projections suggest the percentage of people age 65 or older in the U.S. with dementia will increase to approximately 15%, or nearly 14 million older adults by 2060, this still indicates 85% of people in this age group will not have dementia. 

Myth #2: Seniors should just slow down and take it easy.

This may have been true many generations ago, when life expectancy was shorter. But today we know far more about the importance of physical activity for people of all ages.

By all means, retirement should be a time of less stress, with more opportunities for leisurely pursuits. As we’ve noted in several earlier blog posts, though, such as this one, the physical, mental and social benefits of staying active are abundant.

Even though mobility and health issues might prohibit certain activities, nearly all older adults can find enjoyable forms of recreation. 

Myth #3: People need less sleep as they grow older.

In general, all adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. However, changes in sleep patterns can make insomnia more common in older adults. 

In particular, seniors may have difficulty staying asleep, or they may wake too early and not be able to go back to sleep. Lack of sleep can cause tiredness or sleepiness during the day, irritability, and trouble focusing or remembering.

A persistent lack of sleep can lead to a variety of chronic illnesses, from high blood pressure and heart disease to obesity and diabetes. Conversely, some diseases — such as arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — can cause insomnia. So can medications, including some commonly prescribed for older adults, such as statins, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is a good source of information for older adults who want to sleep better. Anyone who experiences trouble sleeping for more than a few weeks should seek treatment.

Myth #4: It’s normal for older adults to be lonely or depressed.

While certain events and situations that can cause loneliness or depression may be more common for seniors, these feelings are not a normal part of the aging process.

Older adults can feel isolated, lonely or depressed for many reasons, such as:

  • The loss of a spouse or close friends
  • Withdrawal from social activities, often because of physical or mental health issues
  • Lack of purpose or motivation
  • Loss of mobility, including the ability to drive safely

On the other hand, many older adults have the advantage of being able to draw on a lifetime of experience, memories and relationships to ward off loneliness and depression.

Staying connected is vital for seniors to thrive. Quite often, the abundance of social activities and the ease of making new friends are among the most appealing aspects of moving to a senior living community. Senior community centers are also good options for those who want to make new connections.

Those with (or without) limited mobility can connect with friends and family by phone, online and through apps such as Zoom or FaceTime. Virtual clubs, online group activities (e.g., bingo and trivia) and the Virtual Senior Center are great ways to make new acquaintances.   

Lingering feelings of depression and loneliness may signal the need for help from a medical professional. Older adults may be less likely to ask for help, so if you notice behaviors in an older family member or friend that might indicate depression, try talking about it with them.

Myth #5: It’s too hard to learn new things when you’re older, so there’s no point in trying.

Yes, aging can lead to changes in cognition but, as the NIA points out, learning new skills may actually improve cognitive abilities.

Learning a new language or taking music lessons may require more effort at 70 than it would have in childhood, but the extra effort pays considerable dividends. And there’s no need to tackle something complex to gain the benefits. Besides being fun, learning a new hobby, like digital photography, or taking ballroom dance lessons can keep older people’s brains active and potentially boost their cognitive health.

Here at Emerald Heights, resident-led interest groups and lifelong learning classes are very popular. Some residents keep their minds sharp by tutoring students. Others help their neighbors learn how to navigate their mobile devices — which can seem as challenging as learning a new language.  

As the ACL says in some of its materials promoting Older Americans Month, “With age comes knowledge, which provides insight and confidence to understand and experience the world more deeply.” The ACL recommends that older adults continue to grow their knowledge through reading, listening, classes and creative activities.

Clearing Up Misconceptions About Assisted Living

At Emerald Heights, when we talk with people who are interested in our community either for themselves or a loved one, we find that many have misconceptions about assisted living.

For instance, they might believe that moving into assisted living means they’ll give up their independence. Or they might think they won’t have any privacy or autonomy.

Others think assisted living is the same as living in a nursing home and that they have to be sick or disabled to qualify for assisted living.  

In reality, assisted living is for older adults who are independent but need some help with routine activities, such as getting dressed or bathing, or reminders to take their medications.

We can’t speak for all assisted living communities, but at Emerald Heights, residents in assisted living have access to all of the same activities, services and amenities as residents in independent living.

They’re free to come and go as they please, and we provide scheduled transportation for anyone who wants it. Residents in assisted living set their own schedules and make their own choices. We’re here to provide support and assistance when they need it.

If this sounds like an appropriate living arrangement for you or someone you care about, you can learn more about assisted living in our Corwin Center and contact us to set up a personal visit to our community.  

In the meantime, we hope you’ll share this information and help us bust some myths about aging!

Featured Image: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock

The History of Emerald Heights

angelleditor on May 22, 2023

In 1979, Whitney Corwin, a local Bellevue resident, gathered a task force of 35 members—most of whom were part of Bellevue Presbyterian Church—to create a top-tier Life Plan Retirement Community on the Eastside. While the task force was excited about the vision, it quickly became clear that securing the necessary financial resources would be a significant challenge.

Taking matters into his own hands, Corwin established the Eastside Retirement Association (ERA) with a board of eight members, including his friend and Bellevue Presbyterian Church member, Harry Wilson, who later became the Board President, and Jim Gay, a lawyer who helped draft the articles of incorporation. Together, they embarked on the search for land on the Eastside.

The financial hurdles grew more difficult amid the 1980s Savings and Loan Crisis, which slowed down the financial industry. Unable to secure funding from U.S. banks, Corwin and ERA turned to other financing, successfully obtaining a loan of $58.3 million from a consortium of banks in France, Scotland, and The Netherlands.

The final challenge came when the Washington State Housing Finance Commission was asked to approve the issuance of tax-exempt bonds. Although the commission typically funded low-income housing projects, it had never financed a nonprofit retirement community like Emerald Heights. To gain approval, the ERA needed sponsorship from a community organization. First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue agreed to sponsor the project without assuming financial responsibility but requested that half of the board members be affiliated with the church.

By 1987, the ERA had secured the land behind Redmond High School. The name Emerald Heights was proposed by Zada Corwin, Whitney’s wife, who drew inspiration from Seattle’s nickname, the “Emerald City,” and the community’s location on a hill.

When Emerald Heights opened its doors in 1992, several founding board members were among the first residents. Though Mr. Corwin sadly passed away in December 1988, his legacy endures. Emerald Heights has served his generation well and continues to evolve, addressing the needs of the next generation of aging adults.

Guided by Christian principles, the mission of the Association is to be a leader in the development and operation of nonprofit, new generation retirement communities and services. The ERA Association currently operates Emerald Heights, a life plan retirement community in Redmond, Washington.

The governance of the Association is vested in its board of directors. The board of directors is elected by Emerald Communities (EC) and currently consists of eleven directors.

Today, Emerald Heights stands as a beacon of stability and innovation. Following a successful expansion in 2024, we proudly serve over 500 residents and operate alongside our sister community, Heron’s Key, which opened in Gig Harbor in 2017.

Meet Joan Glass, An Emerald Heights Resident Making a Difference Through Quilting

angelleditor on May 1, 2023

Joan Glass was in disbelief when the Redmond Parks and Recreation team walked into her quilters club meeting to let her know she had won the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award.

joan glass

Every May, the City of Redmond and the Redmond Senior Advisory Committee select two individuals to acknowledge with the Volunteers of the Year award for Older Americans Month. Joan Glass was selected for her contributions to the Redmond community and her outstanding leadership of the Redmond Senior Quilters Group.

“While this award means so much to me, it really is an honor for the entire Redmond Senior Quilters Group. Without them, we could not make a difference in the community, and I am so grateful to lead a group of such inspirational people,” said Joan.  

Joan joined the Redmond Senior Quilters Group in 2014 and took over as lead in 2015. For almost a decade, Joan has been meeting with quilters from the local area once a week to make beautiful pieces of art and socialize with like-minded individuals.

Members of the quilters group have made hundreds of quilts over the years and the majority of these creations are donated to the community. The group donates quilts to the YWCA to provide homeless women and children with a comforting item upon arrival, they send blankets and fabric to local animal shelters, and donate children’s pillowcases to the Ronald McDonald House.

While she is a quilting pro now, Joan did not always have this skillset in quilting. In 1984, Joan decided to expand her horizons by taking a few community college classes and one of them happened to be Quilting 101. In this course, she learned all about quilting techniques and the history of quilting. She instantly fell in love with the art form and knew she wanted to continue practicing.

Quilting was a relaxing escape for Joan especially through her high stress career as a nurse. Even after retirement, Joan knew she could not give up this hobby. She is now the leader of the Redmond Senior Quilters Group and participates in a Quilters Group at Emerald Heights as well.

Over the years, she has made quilts for new members of her family, as gifts for friends and has even made quilts to honor those who have passed.

She has touched so many people through quilting, found her passion, and met some of her favorite people through quilting.

“Quilting has given me a strong identity over the years and if anyone is interested in trying it, now is the time,” adds Joan. “It takes patience and a lot of practice, but it is something you can learn and continue to hone your skills for many years.”

Joan will be attending the Older Americans Month proclamation and reception in early May to receive her honor. She will be joined by the best cheering squad consisting of her husband and several members of the Redmond Senior Quilters Group.

Adding Levity to Your Days Could Add Length to Your Life

angelleditor on April 19, 2023

When was the last time you had a belly laugh? If you can’t recall, then maybe it’s time to take a humor break.

Having a good laugh can be healthy for the heart, alleviate stress, boost the immune system and enhance cognitive functioning, including short-term memory, research indicates. Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other online sources offer a wealth of information about the many health benefits of laughter.

Among various physiological changes, laughter releases “feel good” endorphins and serotonin, a neurotransmitter targeted by antidepressants. It also reduces serum levels of cortisol, a hormone the body produces in response to stress. Cortisol damages the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in learning and memory. Laughter may help reverse the damage, and at the very least it can help prevent more from occurring.

As researchers have learned more about the many benefits of laughter, medical professionals have begun to use it as a form of therapy for people with chronic diseases, including cancer. Classes, such as laughter yoga, have become popular. And activities directors in retirement communities are finding creative ways of practicing humor for seniors, with the goal of getting residents to laugh more often.

So, what can you do to inject more humor into your daily routine? Plenty!

Try Some Vicarious Viewing

Chances are you already spend some time watching TV or surfing the internet. An easy way to develop a daily humor habit is to veer away from some of the more serious content you watch and add some shows or videos that will make you laugh.

Laughter really is contagious, so if you don’t readily laugh at funny movies or sitcoms, maybe revisiting some clips of yesteryear’s comedy shows on YouTube will get you going. Watching Tim Conway trying to make Harvey Korman laugh during skits on “The Carol Burnett Show” is a surefire way to kickstart your funny bone.

If you already laugh with ease and would like to laugh more, search online for ways to view movies and video clips featuring your favorite comedians or to find new favorites. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

  • Red Skelton skits of Clem Kadiddlehopper or Gertrude and Healthcliffe
  • Movies featuring the original odd couple, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, or other classic comedy duos, such as Abbott and Costello or Laurel and Hardy
  • Peter Sellers as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther movies
  • Sitcoms from decades past, such as “The Andy Griffith Show,” “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Honeymooners,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “My Favorite Martian,” “Get Smart,” “Cheers,” “Seinfeld” and “Taxi”
  • Video clips of comedians such as Jonathan Winters, Steve Martin, Lucille Ball, George Carlin, Joan Rivers, Andy Kaufman, Milton Berle, Jack Benny and Lily Tomlin

If you’re ready to go all in, check online to see if there’s a comedy club near you and make plans to see a show. When others around you are laughing, there’s a good chance you will, too.

Give Yourself Permission to Be Silly

Growing up often means leaving our capacity to play in the past. We forget how to giggle. We trade silliness for sophistication and roll our eyes at others who are more impish.  

Yet it appears that fun-loving people have the upper hand after all. Being too serious all of the time can have serious implications for our health, so why not lighten up a little?

Sneaking Past Your Inner Scrooge

Laughing doesn’t always come naturally, although scientists believe everyone has an innate sense of humor. If it has been a while since your inner child had the opportunity to romp, you might find it challenging to chuckle.

That’s OK. You can fake it and still derive many of the health benefits associated with laughing.

Start with a smile, even if you don’t genuinely mean it. It’s the first step.

Practice laughing in private. Force it if you have to. It still counts. You might even find you feel so silly about forcing yourself to laugh that you end up laughing for real.

If that’s just too silly, then try clowning around with your grandkids. They won’t care if you let your hair down. In fact, they’ll probably encourage it!

If you don’t have grandchildren, or they’re already grown up and beyond being goofy, then go to the dog park and watch the pups at play. Or visit an animal shelter during kitten season. It’s nearly impossible not to smile when you see little kittens pouncing and play-fighting with each other.

Remind yourself why you’re doing this: It’s good for you, now and down the road.

Jokes for Seniors to Share With Their Grandkids

In observance of National Humor Month, we’re providing a list of clean and clever senior jokes you can share with your grandchildren — or anyone else who could benefit from a good laugh (which is everyone!).

  • What did Zero say to Eight? Nice belt!
  • What do you call the wife of a hippie? Mississippi.
  • What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.
  • What did one plate say to the other? Dinner’s on me.
  • If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims.
  • What did one wall say to the other? I’ll meet you at the corner.
  • Where do you learn how to make a banana split? In sundae school.
  • Why don’t eggs tell jokes? They would crack each other up.
  • What did one hat say to the other? You stay here. I’m going on ahead.
  • What do clouds wear? Thunderwear.
  • Which state has the most streets? Rhode Island.
  • What do you call a rabbit with fleas? Bugs Bunny.
  • What did the ocean say to the beach? Nothing. It just waved.
  • I tried to make a joke about retirement, but it didn’t work.
  • Last night, I dreamed I was a muffler. I woke up exhausted.
  • What can’t you tell a taco a joke? They always spill the beans.
  • Dogs can’t operate MRIs but CAT scan.
  • Why did the gym close? Because it didn’t work out.
  • If athletes get athlete’s foot, what do astronauts get? Missile toe.
  • Why did the raisin go out with a prune? He couldn’t find a date.

A Final Suggestion to Reap the Rewards of Humor

One way to get in the habit of noticing life’s lighter side — and increase the benefits you derive from exercising your sense of humor — is to keep a diary of what makes you laugh.

Each day, jot down notes about funny things you see or experiences you have during the day. Aim for at least three a day. Studies have shown that doing this for a week can ease the symptoms of depression and enhance well-being for as long as six months, according to an article in The New York Times.

Plus, when you go back through your diary and reread what you’ve written, you relive the experience and achieve the same health benefits all over again. Not only will you potentially add length to your life — you’ll definitely add quality!

Live Well and Laugh a Lot!

When you’re in the company of upbeat people who enjoy life, it’s easy to let the laughter flow.

In our community, laughter is genuine and frequent. That’s because those who live here actively engage with one another and have a strong tendency to see delight in every day.

If you’d like to explore how the camaraderie of independent living in a community like ours can make it easier to increase your daily dose of humor, come have a look around. Contact us and we’ll arrange a time for you to visit at your convenience.

In the meantime, here’s one more joke for the road: I asked a friend if she knew how to say “farewell” in French. She said, “Adieu.”

Featured Image: Yuri A. Peopleimages.com / Shutterstock

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