The Secret to Aging Gracefully? It’s Not Kale — It’s Laughter
The Secret to Aging Gracefully? It’s Not Kale — It’s Laughter
Every year around this time, a new study comes out insisting that kale, kombucha, cold plunges, or cauliflower-crusted something will help us live longer. But tucked between all the wellness trends is something researchers keep confirming: laughter is one of the most powerful predictors of long-term happiness.
A recent update from the Harvard Study of Adult Development—the longest happiness study ever conducted—found that the happiest people as they age are the ones who stay connected, stay curious, and keep their sense of humor.
In other words, laughing isn’t just pleasant—it’s medicine. And it comes with no co-pay, no side effects, and no lecture about cholesterol.
Why Laughter Matters as We Grow Older
It lowers stress hormones
It boosts the immune system
It strengthens relationships
It helps us keep perspective when life gets busy or unpredictable
As we age, laughter reminds us that joy is still allowed, still available, and still one of the best tools we have for staying young at heart.
A Thought for the Holiday Season
The holidays are beautiful—but they can also be exhausting. So let yourself laugh a little more this month. Laugh when plans change. Laugh when the dog steals a cookie. Laugh when your Amazon package arrives in a refrigerator-sized box and you ordered a keychain.
Laughter won’t change your age,
but it can absolutely change how you carry it.