Aging Healthy, Part 2 – Laughter is the Best Medicine
Staying healthy through humor, laughter, and play.
A key ingredient in the recipe for healthy aging is the ability to find meaning and joy in life. As you age, your life will change, and you will gradually lose things that previously occupied your time and gave your life purpose. (If you missed Part 1 of this series on adapting to changes and challenges as we age, click here.)
While going through life’s challenges and changes, it can be difficult to find joy and laughter. During these difficulties is when it is most important to have resources to help you find them again. Joy and laughter help you stay balanced, energetic and healthy. A sense of humor helps you get through tough times and laugh at the absurdities of life. To learn more about the physical and emotional benefits of laughter, check out this article. Laughter is the Best Medicine.
Everyone has different ways of experiencing meaning and joy, and the activities you enjoy may change over time. If your career slows down or you retire, or if your children leave home, you may find you have more time to enjoy activities outside of work and immediate family. Take this time to nourish your spirit.
If you’re not sure where to get started, try some of the following suggestions:
Pick up a long-neglected hobby or start a new one. Taking a class or joining a club or sports team is a great way to pursue a hobby and expand your social network at the same time.
Challenge yourself by learning a new skill. Learn to play an instrument, learn a foreign language, a new game, or a new sport. Learning new activities not only adds meaning and joy to life, it can also help maintain your brain health and prevent mental decline.
Get involved in your community. Try attending a local event or volunteering for a cause that is important to you. The meaning and purpose you find in helping others will enrich and expand your life. Community work can also be a great way of utilizing and passing on the skills you honed in your career without the commitment or stress of regular employment.
Travel somewhere new. You don’t have to travel far or spend a lot of money. You can probably find new places to explore and enjoy not too far from home. Take the scenic route when running errands or travelling to familiar places. Take a weekend trip to a neighboring city or state you’ve never visited.
Spend time in nature. Take a scenic hike, go fishing or camping or walk a dog in the park. Sunshine, fresh air and physical activity are all great mood boosters.
Enjoy the arts. Visit a museum, go to a concert or a play, join a book group, or take an art appreciation class.
Write your memoirs or a play about your life experiences. Sharing our stories helps us connect with others. You never know who you may inspire with the tragedies and comedies of your life story. It’s also a great way to pass on your legacy to future generations.
The possibilities are endless. The important thing is to find activities that are both meaningful and enjoyable for you. Our monthly newsletter is filled with information on local events, activities and resources to help you stay happy and healthy. Give us a call or fill out the form below to sign up for your free copy. In the comments section type “sign me up via email.” Or, if you prefer a printed copy, type “sign me up for a printed copy” and include your mailing address.
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