Month: November 2023

Originally posted at: Crystal Kung Minkoff’s Gold Embellished Purse

Do you remember the catchphrase, “Calgon, take me away”? During the 1970s and 1980s,”Calgon, take me away”, was a ubiquitous phrase for stressed-out women everywhere.

With television and print campaigns featuring women who sought to escape the effects of being overwhelmed, Calgon bath products became the go-to solution for many who wanted to take a vacation from the hectic rigors of reality.

But what about laughter?

Could it be that after all these years of our generation being bombarded with products to help us escape stress, the ideal solution to feel better is the most often overlooked?

Perhaps Milton Berle said it best when he shared that, “Laughter is an instant vacation.”

When was the last time you leaned into laughter as your guaranteed solution to exit emotional distress and enter a rejuvenated, happy state of being?

Incorporating laughter into our daily life can have numerous benefits for those of us over 60. We have covered many of these benefits in the previous three articles and videos in this series on “The Healing Power of Laughter.”

In the fourth of our five-part series for Sixty and Me readers, we will explore the connection between laughter and your mental health.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Being 60 and over can be a truly magical experience. It can also present unique challenges and new opportunities for maintaining your well-being.

A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that anxiety is common among adults over 60, with prevalence rates ranging from 3% to 14%.

The National Council on Aging reports that approximately 20% of those aged 55 and older experience some type of mental health concern, including mood disorders and anxiety disorders.

For these reasons and more, mental health awareness is crucial for anyone over 60.

Being aware of your mental health is first recognizing and understanding the importance of maintaining your mental well-being. From there you will want to actively take steps to prioritize and proactively care for your mental health.

Where does laughter help in all of this?

Healing Medicine of Laughter

The origins of mental health issues take many forms, such as physical or emotional abuse, the loss of a loved one, or other life-altering events.

While it may seem counterintuitive to use laughter to address such serious issues, laughter has been proven to be a powerful and effective way to cope with the lingering effects of mental health issues resulting from stress, anxiety, and unhealed trauma.

One of the primary benefits of laughter is how it reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

These hormones are released in response to stressful situations and can have negative effects on the body and mind over time. By laughing more, you release endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that counteract the negative effects of stress hormones.

Not only can I personally attest to this, but numerous studies into the healing medicine of laughter underscore these benefits and more.

Here are two such examples:

1. A study published in Nursing Open found that laughter therapy significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved life satisfaction among adults sixty and over.
2. Research conducted at Loma Linda University in California demonstrated that laughter can enhance cognitive function and improve memory performance.

Strengthen Your Mental Health

Here are five key areas where laughter can help you strengthen your overall mental health after 60:

Stress Reduction

Laughing helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol, leading to a sense of relaxation and calmness.

Mood Enhancement

Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, which are the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are medically proven to improve mood and uplift spirits.

Cognitive Function

Laughter stimulates your brain activity, enhancing cognitive function, improving memory, and promoting mental agility.

Social Interactions

Laughing with others will immediately improve your overall mental health. Joining a laughter club or attending comedy shows with friends can foster social connections, increase social support, and create a sense of belonging that goes a long way to improving your well-being.

Shift Perspective

Looking at challenging situations through the lens of humor is about finding the silver lining in things that may not initially feel good. This can help reframe negative thoughts and promote a positive outlook on life.

Charlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

Don’t let another day go by without opening yourself up to more laughter in your life.

Remember that laughter should be a supplement to an overall mental health care plan. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, it’s important to seek professional help from a healthcare provider or mental health specialist.

I invite you to join me in the video where I will share additional insights on mental health awareness for women over 60. I will also guide you through five empowering action items to integrate what you are learning.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you use laughter as mental health therapy? What benefits have you noticed since? What strategies do you use to bring more laughter into your life?

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Photo: @realadrianademoura

Originally posted at: Adriana de Moura’s Black Floral Suit

Originally posted at: Julia Lemigova’s Printed Dress

Have you noticed changes in your balance recently? Are you wondering whether these changes are normal or a sign of something that should be investigated?

Have you considered seeing your doctor but worried you might be wasting their time?

We often hear from people who have concerns about their balance but aren’t sure whether these warrant a visit to the doctor.

In this article, I will tell you the important signs that it’s time to consult a medical professional about your balance. You’ll find out why many people don’t visit their doctor (so you don’t make the same mistakes). I’ll share some inspiring personal stories of balance reclaimed.

Subtle Shifts: When Balance Begins to Falter

When things gradually develop over time, it’s easy to get used to them. We don’t notice how much things have changed, or how much they’re affecting us.

I’ve talked to so many people who have started taking their balance issues as a given.

Ask yourself how often you’ve noticed your balance over the last few weeks or months. Think back a few years and it’s likely you rarely thought about your balance. This can help to demonstrate the changes that have developed over time.

If you’ve got used to having balance difficulties, now’s the time to become aware of this and see if there’s anything you can do to address these.

Signs It’s Time to See a Medical Professional

If you experience any of the following, I suggest you consult your doctor:

• Sensations of light-headedness, blurred vision or muscular weakness,
• Feeling that you might faint or do faint,
• Have new or more pronounced sensations of dizziness,
• Have recently started feeling unsteady when walking or going up and down stairs,
• Find yourself avoiding activities due to balance concerns or fear of falling,
• Have had more than one trip or fall where you ended up on the ground.

This is not an exhaustive list; please trust your instincts. If you feel something isn’t quite right, or that you’d like to discuss it with someone, book that appointment.

Your Doctor’s Door Is Open

Often, people think their doctor will be too busy, that their concerns are not serious enough (they don’t want to waste the doctor’s time) or that their issues are just to be expected as they get older.

Yes, I’m sure your doctor is busy, but they want to help you maintain your quality of life, and they definitely want to help you avoid trips and falls so you won’t be wasting their time.

Assuming that our problems are just due to age can mean we miss treatable conditions – so, if you would have gone to see your doctor about this concern 30 years ago, you should go now.

Post-Fall Protocol: The Importance of Medical Attention

It’s always advisable to let your doctor know if you have a trip or fall where you end up on the ground.

If you have bruising or pain after a fall, visit your doctor to get your injuries checked over.

Even if you feel physically fine (we know that falling can be very upsetting), let someone know. It’s important for your doctor to know if you’ve had a trip or fall. They may want to investigate and could help prevent future incidents.

Balance Restored: Inspiring Journeys Back to Stability

Our community love to share their back to balance stories. Here are some of them to help inspire you.

Margaret, age 71, took a while to visit her doctor about her balance. “I was tired of being a benchwarmer at the park while my grandkids played. After a consultation with my doctor, I was relieved to learn that my balance issues weren’t irreversible. With a combination of medical treatment for my inner ear and balance exercises, I’ve not only regained my stability but also the thrill of being in the midst of the action with my grandkids. Now, I’m the one leading the games, and their giggles make every effort worth it.”

Carlos, 68, was struggling in his garden due to balance difficulties. “My garden was my retreat until balance problems began to shake my confidence. I sought help from my healthcare provider, who identified a vitamin deficiency. With the right supplements and balance exercises, I’ve reclaimed my stability. Now, I’m back to my flowers, steadier than ever, proving that with the right help, you can bloom again in your garden.”

A missed ballet recital was the push Eleanor, 74, needed to consult her doctor. “Avoiding the cultural life I loved due to balance fears felt like losing a part of myself. It took missing my granddaughter’s ballet to seek medical advice. My doctor’s guidance, along with a regimen of balance exercises, has been transformative. I’m more confident out and about, tackling the subway and museum staircases with ease. It has reawakened my passion for culture, and I’m grateful for every step.”

Balance is key to an active, fulfilling and connected life. We need good balance to make the most of our lives, whether that involves grandchildren, travel, hiking or cultural pursuits.

Whatever matters to you, and however your balance issues are affecting you, if you have concerns, you should consult your doctor.

Taking the First Step: Start Improving Your Balance Today

One of the best ways to improve your balance is with regular strength and balance exercises. Just a few minutes of exercise most days can help you maintain or improve your balance. You can improve your balance at any age with the right exercise plan, advice and support.

If you’d like help improving your balance, you’ll love our free Balance Blueprint. This comprehensive resource includes tips, advice, and guidance to get started with a balance training programme from the experts at Vida Wellness.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you experienced any of the symptoms above? Have you noticed balance issues creeping up on you over time? Have you consulted your doctor about your balance? Join the conversation below!