what are the benefits of laughter?

Laughter would be beneficial for health. “Japanese researchers who followed 12,165 people aged 65 and over for six years found that those who laugh often have a risk of dementia […] decreased by 16%”, introduces journalist and doctor Damien Mascret, present on the set of 12/13, Monday May 15. Conversely, those who rarely laugh are more prone to stroke. “Those who laugh every day are the least at risk. […] Those who laugh often, 1 to 5 days a week, +12%, those who laugh rarely +27% and those who never laugh +60% risk of stroke”details the health professional.

Notable improvements

He assures that “everything starts from the brain”. “Laughing lowers the level of cortisol, the stress and anxiety hormone. Then, laughter increases well-being hormones, such as endorphins, a kind of morphine produced by our brain. All this lowers tension, relaxes the arteries and reduces pain”, decrypts Damien Mascret. Laughter improves mood, memory, self-esteem and creativity.

Among our sources

Laughter and Dementia

Laughter and Stress

Non-exhaustive list