Laughter

Q: Is it true that laughing can add up to eight years to your life?  And how much would it take?

A: Several sources have indicated the act of laughing as a way to extend one’s life by eight years, but there is no research available that quantifies the numbers of years that can be added to a life by the sole act of laughing.

However, research has shown laughter to have many health benefits including:

•          Stress reduction - Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones.  It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins and neurotransmitters.

•          Improved Immune system - Laughter reduces stress, but it also increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells, which leads to a stronger immune system.

•          Physical benefits - Laughter enhances oxygen intake, blood circulation, stimulates your heart and lungs, and helps burns calories.  In addition, it reduces other physical symptoms of stress such as muscle tension and pain.

Laughter, along with other healthy habits such as proper diet and exercise, can lead to an improved quality of life.