The Benefits of Humor and Creativity for Elders
Elder Care in New Providence NJ
Nothing feels better than after a good laugh; our bodies feel lighter, our moods have become more upbeat, and any problem that was once overtaking our minds has somehow lessened or vanished 
completely. Not only is laughing good for us, but works hand in hand with creativity. By engaging both our humor and creative sides of the brain, we will be using and strengthening the whole brain.
Having a good laugh or creating a new craft is especially therapeutic for seniors with chronic illnesses or dementia. When their health begins making it difficult to move about their day and accomplish tasks they would normally have no problem completing. In this case, an elder care aid may be needed to help your elderly loved one around the house, transport them to appointments, and keep them company throughout the day. A home care aid would also be by the senior’s side in order to help bring their humorous and creative sides to life. Here are some of the reasons your loved one needs both humor and creativity.
- The body becomes more relaxed. According to HelpGuide.org, a good laugh can leave the body relaxed for up to 45 minutes. Also, by taking in a new hobby that allows your loved one to embrace their artistic abilities, they will become more focused on the project at hand and less on other matters that are on their mind.
- Laughing enhances the immune systems. Elders tend to have weaker immune systems, causing them to catch more viruses than young adults. Laughing can help ward off these illnesses by decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells and antibodies that fight infections.
- Stimulates the mind. Seniors are engaged both psychologically and cognitively when creating a work of art, such as a painting or pottery. These creative hobbies allow elders to use parts of the brain that are normally left untouched. The result is a stronger brain that may be able to ward off some memory-losing diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Laughing can also increase an elder’s memory and learning capabilities.
- Laughing improves creativity. As I mentioned earlier, laughing and creativity go hand in hand. In fact, a good dose of humor can not only improve one’s creativity, but also their alertness.
- Helps build relationships. A good sense of humor or joining a new class or club that caters to your artistic hobby will help your loved one build friends along the way. Someone who is able to make others around them laugh or has no problem laughing with others will easily attract new friends. The same goes for creative classes. Joining a group that is filled with like-minded individuals who enjoy the same hobby will allow your loved one to bond with them.
These benefits should give you and your elderly loved one plenty of reasons to laugh more or pick up a paintbrush. However, if these tasks are too difficult for your loved one, consider hiring a senior care provider who will be available for your loved, while also helping them laugh along the way.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elder care in New Providence, NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
Source:
http://creativityforlife.com/the-benefits-of-creativity-to-the-elderly/
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