Teacher: Whoever answers my next question, can go home.
One boy throws his bag out the window.
Teacher: Who just threw that?!
Boy: Me! So now I’m going home.
What did the big chimney say to the little chimney? You’re too young to smoke!
HAHAHA!
Laughter is an intrinsic part of life. It happens spontaneously and unconsciously. Whether you’re howling with laughter or giggling quietly, laughter does you good.
Did you know laughter can heal sadness, anxiety, and depression, and even relieve aches, pains, and fight serious illnesses? Well sometimes laughter is indeed the Best Medicine.
Laughter is also contagious and free and instilling a culture of humor and laughter into long-term care facilities is good for everyone and may even improve the overall functioning and well being of your clients.
So how can we make our seniors crack out a rib with laughter?
1. Create a laughing basket.
Use a jar or a basket to collect tidbits of humor. Fold pieces of paper with written jokes and funny sayings. Ask them to pick up these tidbits several times a day and pick up something to share, laugh at and enjoy. Encourage their relatives and visitors to do the same.
2. Themed days.
Have special-themed days, and make an effort to dress accordingly. These are always exciting and stimulating. They bring fun, entertainment, laughter, and goodwill!
3. Sing happy music.
As you often bond, pretty sure they’ve mentioned their favorite song, or artist or have hummed softly to themselves. At the very least, learn the song, sing the first line, and then ask them to sing the next line. Music is always good for the soul.
4. Invite children to play.
Loneliness is one of the great enemies of old age and more than a million older adults live alone in our country. Having babies and children around changes the whole ambience. The noise, laughter and giggles brings joy and laughter and is a good distraction that makes the elderly happy.
5. DIY Horoscopes.
Ask friends, family members, volunteers, or staff to write a profile to suit them, from something witty to small things they care about. Such efforts are bound to put a smile on their faces.
Despite all these small and personal efforts, always remember that what is funny to one person may pass unobserved to another. So it is important to personalize these funny and amusing activities accordingly.
Have a witty and fun week 😉
