Fun is often the most neglected wish—but perhaps the most healing.
Fun=Joy=Happy=Smiles=Laughter …..
There is a group of seniors who meet every week to play cards. They argue, laugh, tease, and sometimes cheat shamelessly. The game matters less than the laughter. Fun, they will tell you, keeps the heart light and the mind young.
Fun is permission—to sing badly, to dance like a carefree toddler, to learn something new, to watch silly shows, or to travel even if it’s only to the park. We achieve fun by refusing to believe that joy has an expiry date.
The Science of Fun & Laughter
Scientific studies show that fun and enjoyable activities play a meaningful role in healthy ageing. Research links regular engagement in leisure, play, laughter, and social activities with better mood, lower stress, reduced risk of depression, and higher life satisfaction among older adults.
Fun activities—such as games, music, hobbies, dancing, or group interactions—also help keep the mind active, support cognitive function, and strengthen social connections, which are crucial for emotional well-being. When fun involves gentle physical movement, it further contributes to balance, mobility, and overall health. In simple terms, science suggests that fun is not a luxury in later life—it is a vital ingredient for ageing with joy, connection, and resilience.
Laughter has powerful benefits for the ageing community, supporting both mental and physical health. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins—the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals—helping to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve mood in older adults.
Research also links laughter with lower blood pressure, improved immune response, and better pain tolerance, all of which are especially valuable as the body ages. Social laughter, shared with friends or family, strengthens bonds and reduces loneliness, a major risk factor for poor health in later life.
Simply put, science confirms what seniors often know instinctively: laughter keeps the heart lighter, the mind sharper, and life more enjoyable—at any age.
Here’s wishing you a year filled with countless moments of fun and laughter!
