Suzanne Marlatt Stewart
Getting older is something we all must face, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! One of the best ways to handle the changes and challenges that come with aging is through humor.
Funny sayings about getting older can make us laugh at ourselves and see the lighter side of life. By embracing the humor in our daily lives and finding joy in the little things, we can make the journey of aging a lot more enjoyable.
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” —Mark Twain
“You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” —Bob Hope
“Maybe it’s true that life begins at 50. But everything else starts to wear out, fall out, or spread out.” —Phyllis Diller
“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” —Walt Disney
“I’m at an age where my train of thought often leaves the station without me.” —Anonymous
When asked to describe what accounts for successful aging, seniors mention a sense of humor as one of the most important virtues. Humor is an everyday activity that has a strong impact on people of all ages. The ability to enjoy humor and the varied ways it is utilized can reveal important aspects of the aging process. It has the potential to positively affect our health. Humor appreciation might also help delay the cognitive decline associated with aging.
Humor is one of the most important human activities, one that is enjoyed daily by people in every culture and at every age. However, very little is known about how aging affects humor experiences. Research suggests that elderly people enjoy humor more than younger people, but they have increasing difficulties in understanding jokes.
“Humor can be a powerful—if often overlooked—strategy to support mental health.” He’s called Dr. Ed—that’s Edward T. Creagan, MD, a cancer specialist, the first Mayo Clinic doctor board certified in hospice and palliative medicine. He states, “In addition, recent studies have shown that laughter and introducing humor into mental health settings like therapy may reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, boost both self-esteem and sense of humor, improve social skills and communication, and even help reduce the intensity of mental health conditions. Meanwhile, there is evidence to suggest that laughter can enhance memory, creative thinking, friendliness, vigor, and even hopefulness.”
They say laughter is the best medicine, and when it comes to aging, a good sense of humor is essential. The golden years may bring a few more wrinkles and a little gray hair, but they also bring plenty of opportunities for laughter and lightheartedness.
“Life is a comedy, or a tragedy, and you get to decide.” —Ernest Homes
Rev. Suzanne, a resident of SaddleBrooke, is an independent writer and speaker. She was ordained non-denominational, representing all faiths, and her focus is “inclusive.” Email: spiritualoccasions@outlook.com