Several years ago, I was asked if I was interested in participating in
a volunteer program that provided education to elders on the effects of
humor on health. After researching all the usual literature, I opted to
take a fairly practical approach to the subject.
George Burns served as the inspiration to me in this
project. Who better, than this gentleman, who not only had the
experience to relate to the subject, but who also had a unique and
upbeat philosophy on aging.
Now, we all have learned that humor has many benefits.
- Humor boosts the immune system
- Humor helps us live longer (look what it did for George).
Research has shown that Comedians have the longest life spans.
- The use of humor in medical settings reduces the need for
pain medication and distracts one from life's problems.
- Humor helps health care professionals cope with the day to
day stress of working with ill patients (did you ever have a hospital
room next to the nurse's break room)?
Mr. Burns had a remarkable ability to laugh with his age. On
the occasion of his 90th birthday remarked "I'm glad to be her at
90...I'm glad to be anywhere at 90."
When a reporter asked George about his health habits..
(reporter) "George, you smoke cigars, drink and chase women. What does
you doctor say about this?
George replied "My doctor is dead."
Joke of the Week
