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Everyone has heard that laughter is the best medicine, but have you ever sought out ways to laugh more? You should. Particularly if you’re a woman over 50. It turns out, laughter is not only emotionally good for you, but also physically. I’ll show you why you should make it a point to laugh daily. 

Unfortunately, it seems as though the older we get, the less we laugh. The reason for this could vary. One reason is that laughter is often a social behavior. If we are more solitary than we used to be, we might laugh less. A study of adults over 65 in Japan showed that 19% of participants only laughed 4 times a month. Let’s make sure this isn’t you. Make it a point to laugh every day!

Read on to see how to get the laughs going, and why you should.

WHY EXPERTS SAY LAUGHTER IS GOOD FOR YOU

Japan certainly likes their studies on the subject. Another study conducted on laughter found an association between laughing with others and a reduced risk of developing functional disabilities. 

We’ve all heard the phrase “laughter is the best medicine.” But I don’t know about you—given the choice between a hearty laugh and a cold, bitter pill, I’ll take the laugh!

Especially as a woman over 50, I’ve learned that laughter can lighten even the heaviest moments. Sure, I could hit the gym for a good workout, but laughing? That’s like cardio for your soul—no treadmill required.

Benefits of Laughter:

• Soothes tension (who needs a spa day when a good giggle works wonders?)
• Stimulates your organs (imagine it as an internal massage—without the awkward small talk)
• Lowers blood pressure (and you don’t have to give up your morning coffee to do it)
• Boosts your immune system (because who has time for colds when there’s laughter to be had?)
• Relieves pain (I mean, have you ever laughed so hard it hurt? It’s totally worth it.)
• Improves mood (nothing lifts the spirits like a belly laugh—minus the bellyache)

See? Laughter really is the best medicine—side effects may include joy, spontaneity, and possibly annoying your friends by laughing at your own jokes!

Read more about Laughter as Medicine

#1 Chicken Soup for the Soul: Laughter Is the Best Medicine: 101 Feel-Good Stories

#2 Healing Through Humor

#3 The Cancer that Died of Laughter– An amazing story of a man who cured his terminal cancer through laughter!

5 WAYS TO GET YOURSELF LAUGHING

Now you know why, as a woman over 50,  it’s important to laugh. But what if you don’t laugh like you used to? What if you don’t seem to find humor in the things that would have made you laugh in the past? This last year has been tough on me and sometimes it has been hard to laugh like I want to.

Fear not. You are not a lost cause. You can learn to laugh much like you can learn to do anything. Not only that, once you make it a point to see the humor in things, you will find what you seek. You can learn to laugh over the simple things.

#1 FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT

Literally. Fake laugh. I know it may sound silly, but it works! The more deranged and maniacal you sound, the funnier it will be and next thing you know, you’ll be laughing. I promise. Try it now. 

The best news is that research shows that self-induced laughter can be even more beneficial than the organic, spontaneous kind! 

#2 READ BOOKS THAT MAKE YOU LAUGH

Your idea of a funny book may be different from mine. Perhaps you like to read nonfiction books written by comedians. Or a lighthearted rom-com (I love Sophie Kinsella, her books always make me laugh out loud.)

#3 WATCH A FUNNY VIDEO OR MOVIE

We’re very lucky to have YouTube and the like at our fingertips. You can find an old standup and one of your favorite comedians. Or you can discover your new favorite. If you find a channel that consistently makes you laugh, subscribe and be sure to watch their videos daily. Doctor’s orders. (I’m not a doctor.)

And of course, there are movies. We all have that one movie that might be a little silly, the one we might consider a guilty pleasure. Who cares, if it makes you laugh, watch it! Ask people in your circle what the funniest movie they ever saw. Then buy/rent them and get to laughing! 

Suggestions from my Instagram audience and my private Facebook group, Celebrate Visibility:

• Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
• This is Spinal Tap
• What About Bob
• O Brother, Where Art Thou?
• Sense & Sensibility
• It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
• Arthur (1981)
• Blazing Saddles
• Silver Streak
• Some Like It Hot
• Home Alone
• There’s Something About Mary
• Napoleon Dynamite
• Young Frankenstein
• Mrs. Doubtfire
• Office Space
• Something’s Gotta Give
• Poms
• Superbad

#4 LISTEN TO PEOPLE THAT MAKE YOU LAUGH

Between Audible, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, podcasts, and more, there are so many paid or free options to access audio immediately. And they all have comedy playlists, channels, and podcasts. 

#5 LEARN THE RULES OF BEING FUNNY

You may not be the next Steve Martin, but learning what makes things funny can help you find humor in everyday situations. There are plenty of resources out there—books, videos, even masterclasses—to help you tap into your comedic side. Many comedians keep a journal to jot down funny exchanges and experiences, a great habit to adopt if you want to start seeing the humor in life’s little moments. This “Frazzled, Razzled, and Dazzled journal” would be a perfect comedy companion and it’s the perfect size to carry in your purse!

Here are some books to help you discover your inner comedienne:

#1 You Can Be Funny and Make People Laugh

#2 The Comic Toolbox How to Be Funny Even If You’re Not

#3 Improve Your Conversations: Think on Your Feet, Witty Banter, and Always Know What to Say with Improv Comedy Techniques

BONUS: LEARN TO LAUGH WITH YOURSELF

Learning to laugh with yourself (not “at” yourself, darling) is key to keeping life lighthearted, especially when things don’t go as planned. I once shared a story with my grandchildren about a chaotic trip to the gas station. After multiple failed attempts to park my car on the right side of the pump, I finally got everything set up—only to realize the pump was out of order. As I struggled, a woman helped me, but just as we thought everything was under control, she drove off with the gas hose still attached to her car! We stood in shock for a moment before bursting into laughter. The experience reminded me that life’s little mishaps are often the most memorable moments, and laughing with yourself can turn frustration into a joyful story.

TIME TO GET GIGGLY

There you have it—your official excuse to laugh more and make joy a priority in your life! In case you needed a reminder, laughter isn’t just about feeling good in the moment; it’s about embracing life with a lighter heart and a healthier mind. If you’re a woman over 50, laughter can be your secret empowerment weapon for thriving through the challenges, changes, and adventures ahead.

Laughter connects us, uplifts us, and reminds us that no matter what life throws our way, we can always find reasons to smile.

The truth is, life will always have its serious moments, but don’t let those overshadow the importance of finding humor along the way. Commit to finding your daily dose of laughter—it’s free, contagious, and it might just become your favorite form of self-care.

Right now, I’m smiling—knowing that laughter is waiting for you around the corner. So go ahead, embrace it, and let your laughter echo through every corner of your life.

 

What is your go-to when you need a laugh? Please share your wisdom with me in the comments.

Be part of our giggly group of women over 50! Join Women Over 50: Celebrate Visibility:

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