GRAND Magazine - May/June 2013 - (Page 52-53)

elder care PHoto creDit: ©Lisa F. younG Sure cure for senior-time blues By Dr. marion somers M y 76-year-old father used to laugh all the time, situation. There is no one way to get someone to laugh but ever since he started having problems with again, but it usually works if you draw on his or her his health, he stopped smiling and laughing. past likes. For example, one of my clients was a big How can I get him laughing again? Lucille Ball fan, so I bought her a compilation DVD of old I Love Lucy shows. We made a date to watch them, —Craig in Texas and then sat there laughing together for hours, even though we’d both seen the episodes more than a few I use a concept called “humor therapy” quite often, times before. Another one of my clients used to love because it has proven to be a very effective device telling jokes, so I bought him a joke book. We spent a for most of my elderly clients. Good things happen good part of one day reading the book. From then on, when someone enjoys a belly laugh. It’s like an internal he would have a joke or two to tell me every time I massage for the soul. Humor can take your father away visited, and the jokes always lifted his spirits. We also from his aches and pains and concerns, even if it’s just watched standup comedy shows on cable television. for a moment. That should be the goal of any caregiver. Each person is different, so you have to read the So try using humor therapy. I’m sure your father will be smiling again in no time. It’ll also provide you with some lighthearted moments, which you probably need Marion Somers, PhD, author of Elder Care Made Easier, has over 40 years experience as a geriatric care manager, consultant, caregiver, and speaker. 52 GRAND MAY JUNE 2013 right now, too. Click to watch “little old lady” Mary Maxwell’s hilarious shtick. 10 Benefits of Laughter 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. * Protects the heart. Reduces physical aches and pains. Improves sleep. Reduces depression. Attracts others to us Exercises muscles. Boosts the immune system. Improves brain function. Relieves stress. Creates social connection. For details, go to Top10Zen. For information and resources, visit the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. MAY JUNE 2013 GRAND 53 http://www.top10zen.com/list/10_benefits_of_laughter-136 http://www.drmarion.com http://www.amazon.com/Elder-Care-Made-Easier-Marions/dp/1886039801/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365384207&sr=1-1&keywords=Elder+Care+Made+Easy http://www.amazon.com/Elder-Care-Made-Easier-Marions/dp/1886039801/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365384207&sr=1-1&keywords=Elder+Care+Made+Easy http://www.aath.org/ http://www.aath.org/

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - May/June 2013

GRAND Magazine - May/June 2013
Contents
Slaying Dragons
You’ve Come a Long Way, Granny
Electrical Safety
Let’s Pretend
The Grandest Gift
Born Free’s Virginia McKenna
My Aging Brain
Judy Cockerton: Foster parent and innovator
10 Best Story Books for Babies & Toddlers
Grand Expectations
Fun Toys for Kids of All Ages
Annuities Simplified
News, Products, Tips, and Resources for Today’s Grandparents
Sure Cure for Senior-Time Blues
It’s a Wonderful Life
Overcompensation
When a Child Is Removed from the Parents’ Home

GRAND Magazine - May/June 2013