The U.S. Surgeon General reports 1 in 2 adults are chronically lonely increasing our risk for chronic diseases including #Alzheimer's It is especially important in our older population to have social interaction on a daily basis and often that is the challenge for family caregivers. Seek the support that you and your loved one need. And remember, family and professional caregivers need hugs too!
Can hormones make you happy? Oxytocin is one of the four happiness hormones I write about in my book, “Me Time Monday – The Weekly Wellness Plan to Find Balance and Joy for a Busy Life.” It is the hormone created by social groups, tribes, families, friends and lovers – our love, trust and bonding hormone. Loneliness and social isolation creates a lack of oxytocin that threatens our ability to survive and thrive. Science shows we receive bursts of oxytocin release by being physically close to others – holding hands, hugging, kissing, staring into someone’s eyes. It creates a warm feeling and calms our stress. In fact, one study found 8 hugs a day actually produces enough oxytocin to promote better brain health. Think of oxytocin as one of your natural happy pills. As spokesperson for Comfort Keepers National Day of Joy, I encourage you to explore their in-home caregiving services to give your elder patient or loved one a boost of joy. Their caregivers are specially trained to create moments that enrich the lives of older adults.