Residents at three Lincolnshire care homes enjoyed a good chuckle together by holding their own comedy club to celebrate World Laughter Day earlier this month.
Four Seasons Health Care cares for more than 10,000 people across the UK and a lot of laughter was had by residents and team members on World Laughter Day on May 1 at Beech House in Barton, Doulton Court in Sutton-on-Sea and Woodview in Branston.
Residents and team members took to the stage and shared their funniest jokes, stories and impressions to kick off the event ‘Laughter & Sunshine’, which is running in more than 150 Four Seasons care homes across the UK during May.
Resident Jean Briggs telling team member Keith Hulme her favourite joke. | Photo: Four Seasons Health Care Group
Some of the activities residents can take part in include Laughter Yoga sessions, listening to local children’s favourite jokes and enjoying performances by visiting comedians and singers.
The homes’ Magic Moments Coordinators have also been putting together ‘Happiness Handbooks’ full of residents’ own tips and ideas to bring laughter and sunshine into older life.
The top tips so far include “Think about the most embarrassing thing that happened to you when you were young and I’m sure you’ll laugh about it now” and “Try singing ‘Bring me sunshine’ and doing the Morecambe and Wise silly walk; it never fails to make me feel cheery”.
Resident Phillip Pickles loved being part of the comedy club. | Photo: Four Seasons Health Care Group
Resident Phillip Pickles takes to the stage for his comedy act. | Photo: Four Seasons Health Care Group
Jamma Cranidge, Home Manager at Beech House, said: “After the challenges of the last two years we decided it was time to celebrate the joy of laughter and the benefits it brings.
“Research says that children laugh on average 300 times a day but adults only 17, so we’ve got a lot of catching up to do! Sharing fun moments is a great way to connect with each other and laughter increases the release of feel-good endorphins, aids muscle relaxation and stimulates circulation which are all good for health and well-being.”
Resident Michael Allison, 78, said: “That was great fun! I really didn’t know we had so many jokers living here, I’ve been laughing all afternoon.”
Four Seasons residents Patricia Simons and Janet Tait agree laughter is the best medicine. | Photo: Four Seasons Health Care Group
Resident Janet Tait, also 78, added: “They say laughter is the best medicine and I couldn’t agree more. Even though some of the jokes were terrible, as soon as other people started to laugh it set me off too! A lovely way to forget old age aches and pains, everyone should try and laugh more.”
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