When was the last time you hugged someone? Today? Yesterday? Last week? You may not even remember; a hug may not seem like something you commit to memory. But a hug is much more powerful than you realize.

In the ‘Rules of a Gentleman,’ rule #276 is ‘Don’t underestimate the power of a hug. It can turn her day around.’ Actually, it can turn ANYONE’S day around!

On National Hug Day, we want to share a 3 reasons why you should give someone a hug today (of course, with their approval!):

• Happiness. When we are in an embrace with someone, a hormone called oxytocin is released, which gives us a feeling of comfort and safety. This neuropeptide promotes feelings of dedication and trust. In other words, we are happier and less stressed.
• Better Health. Oxytocin is not just good for your mood, but good for your health too. When we are hugged, our heart rate and blood pressure are lowered. When you hug someone, not only will you feel better, but you just might live longer!
• Older Adults Get More Benefit. The older we are, the more we can benefit from giving – and receiving – a hug. Physical contact with older adults, especially those who are more frail or lonely, can help lower stress and feelings of loneliness. When an older adult is not lonely, their mood improves, their outlook improves, and not surprisingly, their health may improve.

At NSC we engage with our Members all the time, whether we are listening, playing, singing, socializing, or exercising with them. Our Members have the opportunity to colorize, harmonize, hypothesize, verbalize, improvise, evangelize, socialize, exercise, and have fun with us and the other NSC Members throughout the day.

Call to action: contact us to schedule a FREE 3-hour trial at our facility so you can see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience. It’s like “Home Away From Home,” but with a nurse and therapists in your living room.