Laughter Yoga is Good “Senior” Karma

By Karen Leimberer, Pathway Senior Living Director of Life Enrichment


Laughter Yoga supports physical and emotional good health. No joke! This fresh and fun activity appeals to all ages and is especially easy for seniors. Laughter Yoga is a low-tech activity that does not require special equipment, fancy shoes or a new vocabulary.  Even those without a good sense of humor can experience a hearty chuckle.


A certified Laughter Yoga professional leads the group through a workout that combines the breath work of yoga with laughter. The leader guides the class through various exercises and improvisational activities to promote anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes of sustained laughter. While the initial giggles may be forced, they lead to genuine laughter and real benefits.


Laughter Yoga is Strong Medicine!


Let the benefits flow:



  • Heart Protection – Through breathing, movement and laughter, Laugher Yoga provides an aerobic workout that oxygenates the body and increases blood flow, which can help protect against heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

  • Immunity Boost – Laughter Yoga decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving resistance to disease.

  • Good Mood – Studies show that 15 minutes or more of sustained laughter stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s feel-good hormones that make us happy and can even temporarily relieve pain.

  • Emotional Resilience – Laugher Yoga brings joy in the moment, reduces fear and anxiety and creates emotional resilience to cope with life’s challenges.

Bonding Over a Shared Laugh


While we all need laughter in our lives, seniors facing the challenges of aging may need an extra dose. They have their share of stress from aches and pains to financial worries to loss of independence and loneliness. The seniors at Pathway Senior Living’s Laughter Yoga classes are getting much more than a good workout.  Through Laughter Yoga, they are experiencing a soul connection with other people. It’s a closeness and intimacy that other activities don’t provide.  


 

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