Older adults who laugh more often are less likely to develop depression, according to a large study conducted in Japan.
These findings suggest that laughter in everyday life, not just structured therapy sessions, could play a role in maintaining mental health in later life. The study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Depression is common in later life, affecting an estimated 10 to 20 percent of older adults around the world. It can lead to a range of serious health problems, such as heart disease, dementia, and even early death. Despite its wide-ranging impact, depression often goes undetected or untreated in older adults, particularly those who live independently in the community.
Because of this, public health researchers are increasingly interested in prevention strategies that could reduce the risk of developing depression. One area that has received attention is social engagement. Studies have indicated that staying socially active and maintaining relationships may help protect against depression.
Laughter, which often occurs during social interactions, is known to provide physical and mental health benefits. It may reduce stress hormones, support immune function, and improve mood. While structured laughter therapy has shown positive effects in reducing depressive symptoms, there has been limited long-term research on whether spontaneous laughter in daily life can actually prevent depression from developing in the first place. The new study was designed to help answer that question.
