Laughter is the Best Medicine: The Science of Laughing Your Way to Longevity

I told my doctor I wanted to live past 100. He said, ‘Do you drink?’ I said, ‘No.’ ‘Smoke?’ ‘No.’ ‘Eat fast food?’ ‘No.’ ‘Then why do you even want to live that long?’

Ok, now that my dad joke is out of the way, here’s what my a doctor really said.

Quick Take:

🟢 Cost: Free
🟢 Actionable: Easy
🟢 Impact: High

The truth is — science backs up laughter as one of the simplest, most powerful longevity tools. It lowers stress, boosts heart health, and even strengthens your immune system. So, let’s dig in— and learn why a daily dose of laughter could be the simplest (and most fun) longevity hack there is.

The Idea

Laughter does far more than lift your mood—it has direct physiological effects that support long-term health and longevity. Here’s why laughter matters:

✔ Reduces Stress & Lowers Cortisol: Laughter naturally decreases stress hormones, which reduces inflammation and supports overall longevity.
✔ Strengthens the Heart: Studies show that laughing increases blood flow and improves vascular function, lowering the risk of heart disease.
✔ Boosts Immunity: Laughing activates infection-fighting antibodies and boosts immune cells, helping protect against illness.
✔ Supports Brain Health: Humor engages multiple brain regions, enhancing cognitive flexibility, memory, and problem-solving skills.
✔ Releases Feel-Good Endorphins: Laughter triggers a surge of endorphins and dopamine, improving mood and resilience to stress.

The Evidence

Here’s what the research shows:

Laughter Lowers Stress & Inflammation – Studies have found that laughter significantly lowers cortisol and inflammatory markers, reducing stress-related aging.

Laughter Supports Heart Health – Research from the European Society of Cardiology found that people who laugh often have better vascular function and lower blood pressure.

Laughter & Brain Health – A study at Loma Lina University of Health (Yes a blue zone) suggests that humor stimulates neural connections, delaying cognitive decline as we age.

Longer Life Expectancy – A 15-year study from Norwegian researchers found that people with a strong sense of humor lived longer lives and had lower rates of heart disease.

The Action

You don’t need to be a stand-up comedian to bring more humor into your daily life. Here’s how to start:

1. Watch Something Funny – Comedy specials, sitcoms, or even funny cat videos count. Make laughter a daily habit.

2. Laugh with Others – Spend time with friends who make you laugh—social laughter has an even greater effect on stress reduction.

3. Try Laughter Yoga – Yes, it’s a thing! Studies show that forced laughter still triggers the same health benefits.

4. Reframe Stress with Humor – When things go wrong, find the humor in the situation. Learning to laugh at life’s ups and downs builds emotional resilience.
   

5. Be Playful – Engage in fun activities, play games, or joke around—adults need playtime too!

What’s Next?

Make it a habit, starting today: schedule time for laughter just like you would for exercise or sleep. Your heart, brain, and immune system will thank you.

To more laughter and a longer life,

Longevity Daily

P.S. Know someone who needs a good laugh? Share this email with them—it might just add years to their life!