Physical Benefits of Laughter

From: ama-assn.org

Rebecca Abenante, MA, MSW, LSW ASW-G, is the healthy aging coordinator for New Jersey’s “ATLANTIC HEALTH SYSTEM”, says there are lots of physical benefits to laughter. Abenante says in her “Chuckles, Chortle, and Giggles : The Benefits of Laughter for Seniors” a web-based seminar, “It’s hard to feel stress when you are laughing”.

Laughter boosts the level of dopamine and other stress busting chemicals that naturally lower the odds of depression and anxiety.

Laughter exercises the diaphragm, in turn improving the “cough efficacy”. This is critical for seniors with asthma, bronchitis and other chronic lung conditions. The improved “cough efficacy” is essential in “getting things out” of the respiratory system, helping to maintain lung health.