Laughter: Just What the Doctor Ordered

Whether you guffaw, chuckle, chortle, cackle, roar, howl or giggle, the ability to laugh is shared by people around the world. Humans even share this ability with apes and other primates! Charles Darwin and many other researchers have recorded observations of laughing in various primate species during play and especially when being tickled. These findings suggest the ability to laugh goes back millions of years to a shared ancestor. Tickling may not be what makes you laugh – but everyone has something that tickles their funny bone. Although the jokes people tell have shifted and developed throughout history, laughter's positive benefits are unaltered.

HOW DO LAUGHTER AND HUMOR AFFECT OUR HEALTH?

Laughter may really be the best medicine. Scientific research has backed up the positive effects a good laugh can have on your physical, mental and emotional health. Laughing is so beneficial to health that laughter therapy has even become an alternative approach to treating depression, stress and other mood disorders. Evidence from numerous studies finds laughter to be an effective method in cognitive-behavioral therapy because of its effects.

Gelotology is the term used to describe the study of laughter. This field was developed in the late 1960s and examines the physiological and psychological effects of humor. One of the founders was William F. Fry, who would watch comedic movies while drawing blood samples. The results showed that laughter increased the activity of immune system cells.

Norman Cousins was a big proponent of laughter as medicine. At the age of 50, he was struck with a disease with a low recovery rate. But he noticed that he experienced less pain and fewer symptoms when laughing. He prescribed himself regular laughter by watching Candid Camera and Marx Brothers movies and lived another 25 years. He worked with the California University Hospital to more formally study the health effects of laughter.

Laughter has measurable benefits for our physical health like decreased stress hormones and an improved immune system. It also gives us a mental break, helping with stress and improving memory. As our understanding of the benefits of laughter has grown, people have started to incorporate laughter into other aspects of health, too.

A physician from India, Madan Kataria, created laughter yoga which combines breathing, movement and laughter to promote mental and physical health. A study examined the effect of this method on older adult women experiencing depression in comparison to a group that used exercise therapy and a control group. Those who completed laughter yoga reported significantly higher life satisfaction and improvements in their depression compared to the control group. The study found laughter yoga to be as effective as exercise programs.

The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor is a nonprofit organization started by a group of psychologists who promote the use of humor to support improved health and well-being. They have an extensive research library that shares academic research related to the benefits of humor and laughter.

BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER 1. Increased endorphin levels, chemicals in the brain that make you feel happy

2. Increased production of immune cells and antibodies

3. Decreased levels of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine 4. Improved memory 5. A refreshing mental break that helps replenish mental resources 6. Strengthened social bonds

7. Increased intake of oxygen, which stimulates organs 8. Reduced muscle tension

9. Ability to better handle scary or stressful situations

Counselor and stand up comedian, Richard Granirer, of Stand Up for Mental Health, uses stand up comedy to educate the public about mental health and reduce the stigma around it. He also teaches those with mental health issues or disorders to utilize their struggles to create comedy, which gives them a sense of control and self-worth.

HOW HAS HUMOR CHANGED OVER TIME?

Humor as a source of laughter has been around as long as humans have been able to communicate. According to Robert R. Provine, a laughter expert, "The necessary stimulus for laughter is not a joke, but another person." Laughter seems to have evolved as an essential part of social interaction, even if it does not happen face-to-face. The current thought is that humor is based on the recognition to observe or create incongruities in a social setting, and as humans’ cognitive abilities and language has developed, so has humor. Play-fighting may be one of the earliest forms of humor due to the mix of playfulness with fighting behavior.

In 2008, a group of British historians discovered the oldest recorded joke in the ancient city of Sumer. It was inscribed on a tablet and translates to: "Something which has never occurred since time immemorial." It showed that flatulence humor was popular thousands of years ago as the Sumerian writer joked about passing gas. Although the words used may change, jokes at their core tend to make light of similar ideas.

Top 10 oldest jokes from history, discovered by researchers led by humor expert Dr. Paul McDonald, reinforce the idea that at their heart, jokes have not changed too much over time. Humor has always dealt with taboos – witty retorts, pointing out ironies, making light of difficulties – or come at someone's expense. The format of jokes may change, and the details may shift to reflect the times, but the basic elements remain the same.

THE LAUGHTER CONNECTION

Throughout history, humor has developed to reflect the times as people used laughter to connect. What people find funny varies based on individual and shared experiences. Humor generally reflects current events and stages of life and can be a way to relate to others. Shared humor relies on shared context and understanding of content. So people may not be able to appreciate jokes that have a more specific connection to a particular group. Some types of humor may be more global and relate to the basic human experience. In contrast, others have a more narrow audience that can appreciate them.

Jokes and humorous content have also been shared in a variety of different ways, depending on the technology available. Humor can be shared in any way that people communicate. Jokes have been shared through every medium imaginable – carved on tablets, written in newspapers, sent in letters, graffitied on walls or told by entertainers like court jesters and stand-up comedians. The rise of technology has also led to alternative ways of sharing humor. In the 1950s, Charley Douglass, a sound engineer for CBS, created laugh tracks to make a shared experience of laughter for people watching at home. Today, humor can be shared far and wide through the internet and social media in the form of memes or videos.

Humor and laughter are universal and vital parts of a happy and healthy life. Keep your spirits up by finding ways to keep laughing. Though each person's sense of humor may be a little different, you just have to seek out what you find funny or enjoyable. Especially when you are feeling down, it is even more important to try to find something to laugh at to lighten your load. Socialize with people who make you laugh for a boost. Sign up for a daily joke or comic strip. Follow your favorite comedian. Keep a running list of books, songs, TV shows or movies that make you laugh. Or start a "funny file" for emergencies with cards and pictures that bring a smile to your face. Even if you don't feel like laughing, try forcing a few chuckles – the more ridiculous, the better. You'll likely find yourself genuinely laughing before you know it!

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HAPPINESS PEAKS LATER IN LIFE BY SUZANNE BURROW, OUTREACH COORDINATOR

1. LOTS OF KNOW-HOW

We become good at using what we’ve learned. Accumulated knowledge gets better in our 60s and 70s.

2. MR. NICE GUY OR GAL

We become more agreeable, happier and less inclined to get angry. Scientists haven’t figured out exactly why, but they do have some theories. Dr. Laura Carstensen, a Stanford University aging specialist recently shared her thoughts on her socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) in a Ted Talk – whereby she said this theory of motivation suggests older adults systematically hone their social networks so that available social partners satisfy their emotional needs. Watch her Ted Talk by visiting www.TedTalk.com/talks and type her name in the search bar.

3. PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS

We’re more in tune with other people’s emotions in our 50s than at any other time in our life. This insight into how others think and feel can make living with loved ones easier and helps us get along better with coworkers too.

4. BETTER INTIMACY

We may have sex less often, but researchers have found sexual satisfaction improves with age. Women over 80 were more likely than those between 55 and 79 to report being satisfied due to less anxiety about body image. We are more comfortable in our own skin and able to communicate our needs more easily.

5. A TASTE FOR LIFE

As we age, medications and illness can sometimes change our sense of smell and taste. However, people over 50 report experimenting with new recipes and spices and enjoying food more as a result.

6. RISE AND SHINE

There’s a good chance we’ll become the morning person we’ve always wanted to be. Sleep patterns can shift as we age and people over 65 may wake up more at night, but most said they regularly get a good night’s sleep.

7. BYE-BYE MIGRAINES

Once we hit our 70s, those migraines we may have had much of our life may go away. Only 10% of women and 5% of men over 70 still report migraines. Moreover, if we do have a migraine it may not come with a headache. As we age, visual and sensory disturbances often happen without pain.

8. DON’T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB

As life expectancies increase, early retirement is no longer mandatory and in fact, may not be the best thing for our health. Studies show people who work at a job they enjoy live the longest. That combined with good friends and a good relationship can be the keys to happiness for many seniors.

9. SELF-CONFIDENCE

Self-esteem soars as we age, studies show. Younger people are often more insecure and struggle in their 20s and 30s. As we age such things as employment, financial stability, education, good health and increased physical activity can enhance our well-being even more.

10. LESS STRESS

According to the American Psychological Association, baby boomers and older adults report less stress than their younger counterparts. It doesn’t go away entirely but the APA says nine out of 10 older adults report being able to manage it successfully.

Dr. Charles Hill is a board-certified psychiatry specialist with more than 33 years of experience. He is a member of the LIFE PACE medical team and recently shared a few thoughts on aging and happiness.

“Most psychiatry experts will tell you it’s not normal to be depressed just because you’re elderly,” Dr. Hill said.

“A young person might see an older person carrying a bag of groceries on the street and feel sorry for them. But it’s wrong to assume just because they’re walking alone or have a limp, their body is failing. In reality, they may be thinking about all sorts of pleasant things.”

A study published in the 2016 Journal of Clinical Psychiatry supports Dr. Hill’s statement. The study analyzed data about the perceived physical, cognitive and mental health of 1,546 people ages 21 to 99 in San Diego. The research confirmed older people are actually happier than younger adults.

Older people reported declines in physical and cognitive health, but their mental health appeared to peak in late life. People in their 20s and 30s reported having the highest levels of depression, while older people reported increasing levels of life satisfaction, happiness and well-being. Learn more at www.psychiatrist.com. Source: WebMD.com

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Have you ever made a mental shopping list for what you’d buy if a windfall came your way? Even if you never win the lottery, there are ways of using your money that can contribute to your happiness.

1. SAVE IT

Some people are natural savers. Many of us, however, have our income spent before we receive it. Getting into the habit of saving can be hard, but having an emergency fund can help us feel more secure.

Free up a tight budget by making sure you’re taking advantage of all the benefits available to older adults. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) published its first “Boost Your Budget” benefits check in July. You can use it to find and enroll in public and private benefits programs you’ve earned the right to use. Visit www.boost.benefitscheckup.org to find help with medication and healthcare, food, housing and utilities, transportation and more.

2. SHARE IT

One of the most satisfying ways to use money is by supporting the people and causes you care about. Give to your church if it feeds your soul so they can continue to do good work. Support your favorite charity by volunteering time and money.

Help your grandchildren pay for college without racking up student loans by opening an Oklahoma 529 savings plan. Withdrawals are

federally tax-free as long as the money is used for qualified education expenses, including trade and vocational schools. You will have control of the funds until they start school, so if they decide not to continue their education, you can name a different beneficiary.

One Vintage Newsmagazine reader said she and her husband are financially comfortable in their semi-retirement, so they are making an effort to support frontline workers during the pandemic. They tip generously when receiving their grocery orders or food deliveries and to those whose incomes were affected by the shutdown. The smile on her face said this generosity paid off for the giver as well as the recipients.

3. SPEND IT

If you are one of the fortunate elders who have enough to meet your needs and more – take a moment to be grateful. According to the NCOA, one-third of senior households has no money left over each month or are in debt after meeting essential expenses. There’s nothing wrong with spending money on yourself, but you may find some purchases bring more joy than others.

How can spending money make us happier? Think experiences, not things, according to Cornell University Professor Thomas Gilovich, a psychologist who studies the relationship between happiness and money. He reports that although people get a temporary lift from buying something new, they express lasting gratitude for being able to afford experiences like a family vacation or concert.

Some experiences can directly benefit your health and well-being. Is there a surgery that could improve your self-esteem or correct a nagging health problem? How about therapy or bodywork to invest in your peace of mind and physical well-being?

This may not be the best time for an overseas trip, but a retreat to a lakeside cabin or private rental home might be just what the doctor ordered. Many people are renting or buying recreational vehicles so they can travel with less exposure to the public.

One of the best things about spending money on experiences rather than things is that people get to anticipate the pleasure as they plan. Experiences can also help us connect with others and learn new things about ourselves. Plus, we tend to remember the good moments, and maybe even some humorous ones, when it’s over.