Laughing - Free Medicine

Laughing is like a mini-vacation, allowing you to escape the stress of life and refuel your energy. It lightens your mood and makes life more enjoyable. There are a ton of laughing tools out there to boost your mood and outlook on life.

Most of us are unaware of the numerous advantages that come with laughter. Laughter can boost your immune system, ease stress and tension, reduce pain, and help you relax. So, let out more belly laughs, chuckles, snorts (talking to Tom’s mom and fellow snorters) and giggles - your body and mind will thank you!

Above a portrait Tom took earlier in his career of a very happy artist.

Laughter is great for your physical health

According to HelpGuide.org, the positive effects of laughter on your physical health boosts your immune system, lowers stress hormones, decreases pain, relaxes your muscles, and prevents heart disease.

Laughter increases lifespans, especially for women

Scientific American published an article this week on a large study which found that women with a strong sense of humor had longer lifespans, even in the face of illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and infection. For joyful men the research showed that they seemed to be shielded against infection.

Shared laughter strengthens relationships

According to UNC psychologist Sara Algoe, it is the shared laughter that is significant, as it shows that two people view the world from the same perspective. After researching, Algoe found that those who shared laughter felt more connected than those who did not, which she refers to as the "mind meld".

So, how do you bring more laughter into your life?

The first step is to reframe your mind to life events. Marcus Aurelius stated “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”  Reframing our minds to interpret life events differently is a common theme amongst wise people from history. Taking a more lighthearted and playful approach to life is the first step to achieving this. Watch this documentary on the taboos of comedy, The Last Laugh, and discover how humor can be found in almost any situation.

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Feel down? Laughing Yoga will boost your mood! An amazing place to start is this incredibly popular Ted Talk on Laughing Yoga, which has garnered an astounding 39 million views!

Above, another photo from earlier in Tom’s career, and yes, that is a dog wearing a wig and this lady made wigs for dogs not because they were balding but, well, we don’t know why she made wigs for dogs. Are you laughing yet?

Revisit your childhood and unleash your inner child! Tap into your creativity and let your imagination run wild - from throwing biodegradable water balloons to visiting museums or the county fair. Research from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor stated that adults only laugh an average of 17 times per day, compared to kindergartners who laugh over 300 times per day!

Centenarian Decathlon

Dr. Peter Attia, renowned for his work at the Stanford University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital and the National Institutes of Health, has released a new book on longevity science, titled Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity (we introduced Peter in our April 9th newsletter). Attia presents the concept of a “Centenarian Decathlon”, a framework through which readers can view their inevitable physical decline as an opportunity for greater self-understanding.

Outlive not only provides a comprehensive guide to the science of embracing decline, but also suggests specific strategies and plans to help readers make the most of their later years. With this book, Attia reveals how the knowledge of decline can be used as a tool for personal growth and embracing mortality.

Attia's sample Centenarian Decathlon is noteworthy not only for having a mix of events traditionally associated with exercise, but also those actions we often overlook in our younger years.

This comprehensive decathlon, consisting of both physical and lifestyle elements, is designed to provide the opportunity for vitality and longevity:

  1. Hike 1.5 miles on a hilly trail.

  2. Get up off the floor under your own power, using a maximum of one arm for support.

  3. Pick up a young child from the floor.

  4. Carry two five-pound bags of groceries for five blocks.

  5. Lift a twenty-pound suitcase into the overhead compartment of a plane.

  6. Balance on one leg for thirty seconds, eyes open. (Bonus points: eyes closed, fifteen seconds.)

  7. Have sex.

  8. Climb four flights of stairs in three minutes.

  9. Open a jar.

  10. Do thirty consecutive jump-rope skips.

It is important you make your own top 10 list of physical achievements you want to maintain into your later years. Attia’s above list could be swapped with comparable activities you enjoy, such as instead hiking for 1.5 miles, you could swap it with a round of 18 holes of golf. Or if you do not like to fly and lift luggage, you can change it to carrying 20 pounds of dirt to your garden. Here is a recent Rich Roll and Peter Attia podcast interview that goes intro greater detail of the centenarian decathlon if you do not have time to read his book.


Above, a portrait Tom took of a centenarian for a centenarian calendar.

Tom/Allison and Peter all agree that the key to living a long and happy life is to remain active and in good health.

So, why not take some time to think about the types of physical activities you want to be able to do for the rest of your life? Make a top ten list and start on it today. You'll be thankful you did it later in life when you are in your 80's, 90's, and even beyond!

Until next week, Age and Prosper!