Does laughter increase longevity?

Answer 1

It can cure cancer.

Laughing is found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, and boost immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.

Laughter is infectious. Hospitals around the country are incorporating formal and informal laughter therapy programs into their therapeutic regimens. In countries such as India, laughing clubs -- in which participants gather in the early morning for the sole purpose of laughing -- are becoming as popular as Rotary Clubs in the United States.

Many of us feel awkward in joking in front of terminally ill patients. Many may even consider it inappropriate or insensitive. However, it has been known scientifically that the best thing you can do to your friends is to provide a humorous environment and let them "forget" about their condition. Sitting and feeling sorry for their condition will not help them much.

Dr. Michael B. Van Scoy-Morsher, an oncologist in California says that "one characteristic of the cancer patient who does well is the ability to often put cancer in the background for periods of time."

TV journalist Linda Ellerbee wrote about some of her cancer experiences and of being bald in the January 1993 edition of McCall's :

That summer I bought some breast prostheses to use while swimming. Instead of fastening them to my skin with Velcro as the directions instructed, I simply inserted the prostheses into my bathing suit. When I came out of the water, one had migrated around to my back! Now, how can you not laugh at such a thing? Either you laugh or you cry your eyes out. . . . It's something I've tried to teach my kids as well. When my 23-year-old daughter saw me with my bald head and no breast, she said, "You look just like a Buddha without the wisdom," and we both howled. I think we are never braver than when we stand tall and look into the sun and laugh. Laughter may be a form of courage.

These researchers conclude that laughter appears to reduce stress and improve activity of natural killer cells, which may benefit cancer patients. Clinical trials of laughter involving cancer patients are needed to clarify the effectiveness of laughter for that specific population. Patients with cancer may wish to speak with their physician about the risks and benefits of CAM or about participation in a clinical trial further evaluating CAM therapies, such as laughter. Three sources of information regarding ongoing clinical trials include the National Cancer Institute’s Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine at http://www3.cancer.gov/occam/trials.html, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at http://nccam.nih.gov/clinicaltrials, and www.eCancerTrials.com. eCancerTrials.com also provides personalized clinical trial searches on behalf of patients.

Answer 2

Research shows that the chemical's released in the body form laughter not only increase longevity, but increase the immune system. On the other side sadness, and depression have the reverse effect. You may want to check out a book, "Laughter is the Best Medicine", the person that wrote it was cured of cancer by reading joke books his friends brought to him while he was in the hospital.

Answer 3

I think it does, it's said to do anyhow. Especially if you laugh because you are happy. But even if you are'nt it will have a positive effect and will start reactions in your brain that is good for you. A smile, certainly is as postivie for your body.

Answer 4

If stress kills, = then laughter reduces stress = longevity

logical deduction says yes.

Answer 5

I believe it does. I work with plenty of old timers who are well into their 80's and 90's....LAUGH ON!...I make it a habit to make them laugh as much as possible..it keeps the blood pumping

Answer 6

Yes it is good for the body ... a great stress reducer ...

Answer 7

Maybe, one thing is for certain being depressed shortens live span.

Answer 8

Too "DAMN MEAN" To Ever Know

Answer 9

Hmm yeah ! :D