Thursday, April 21, 2011
Humor is man's greatest blessing.
—Mark Twain
Entering that age has its moments! No argument on that says Norma Roth, author of
Aging Gracefully With Dignity, Integrity and Spunk; Aging Defiantly How much more smoothly the path can be made with humor and levity. Many of our most revered humorists already knew this—and have tried to pass that message on to us over the generations, both by making us laugh and also subtly suggesting that we "lighten up" and learn to take things less seriously, take time out for those humorous moments.
Today, science is sustaining what many knew intuitively: Have you heard the theory lately that laughter will improve your sense of well-being (by turning on endorphins); or that you actually exercise muscles of your face when you smile? Did you know that "laughter is an antidote to stress, pain and conflict," Or that, "seeing the bright side of life may strengthen the psyche, ease pain, and tighten social bonds" according to Scientific American Mind.
The lesson for those who want to age gracefully, Ms. Roth suggests is one that should not be ignored. There are important ramifications for those who are members of the Silver Generation and those entering it as well). There are quality of life factors (how you feel about yourself; how you affect others; how you are open to embrace new things/ Studies show a connection between health and healing: an optimistic attitude can have an effect on how a person deals with illness; shortening the time of an illness, or getting through an illness, prolonging an illness); studies show that older people are more prone to depression. It goes without saying more, that humor and laughter are positive qualities of life factor (yours!)
No denying that those who have an upbeat personality feel better about life, and make those around them feel better too. The smile is a magical thing; it uplifts, it lightens, it brightens the world. Not all of those entering that age can make the Comedy Show, but courting humor can be a tremendous help in attaining your goals.
In her book, Aging Gracefully, the author's suggests members of the Silver Generation Turn on that Humor Switch. Ms Roth makes a number of suggestions to persuade members of the Silver Generation to see the glass half (well may a quarter full!) rather than empty.
In this world of high pressure, every moment counts, what have you accomplished today, there seems little time for humor—or cultivation of that humor. However, there is no better time, more important time than now to see that funny aspect to incidents and activities you engage in. Recently, the author has added to her lexicon, the maxim: "I wonder what interesting thing will drop from my fragile fingers." You can be your own best material, says the author. It all depends on how you look at it. Don't know where to start: watch your friends and those you met. Copying is the sincerest form of flattery.
One long life friend and a husband play a game revolving around the troublesome problem of people over 55 start to run into: can't find the word— or, want one world and another comes out. The author describes how they react: They look at each other and smile broadly and start tossing words out—until a right word appears. Then they burst into laughter. Yes, laughter can come from incidents that seem painful. Learn to turn the situation around. Learn to laugh!
The author offers this suggestion: When you pass a person on the street and they smile at you, notice how it make you feel? Check it out! Often, the feeling is a good one; your spirits rise, you have the fleeting thought that this is a nice day... and maybe it is. Know when you smile at a person, you often have the same effect—If you live in a large city, thought, you might not want to try this particular bit of advice, but you can for others. Ever notice, how on a train in a big city or elsewhere, when there is a child in a stroller or a baby, how people change their masques from a frown or serious motionless staring to suddenly lighter, more expressive—Yes, smiles! Even, in large cities, there are moments when you smile, or can smile, during a normal day. And, note how that smile can make your day!
If you are one of those who truly want to develop humor, but it's been a rocky road, don't panic. There are aids for you. Try "The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor," a group who offer to help you improve your sense of humor. Or you might find a humor-training specialist—Yes! There are such people and groups, proliferating today as the research expands on the therapeutic value of laughter. Laughing—learn to laugh, should be a laughing matter! If that makes you smile, you are on your way....
The author suggests trying cultivating your own humor: we all have it—even if is only as spark. You can ignite it. In her chapter on "Turn On that Humor Switch," courting humor can be a tremendous help in attaining your goals: The author offers an easy start: Yes, you have a lot on your plate; yes, it is an important time in your life, but it is also an extraordinary one if you have been paying attention to what this amazing century is bringing you and the gifts it will continue to lavish upon you. So, as the beloved Al Jolson once sang out, "Smile and the world smiles with you; cry and you cry alone." Well, we can't all be Al Jolson but we can make the effort to lighten up a little bit—remind yourself every day what this world may hold in store for you—and you can SMILE!
Here is a nice review of Norma Roth's Aging Gracefully:
A fine read that will inspire and motivate many a person entering the later half of their life Aging doesn't mean you have to be a forgetful and useless senior. "Aging Gracefully, Aging Defiantly: With Dignity, Integrity, & Spunk Intact" is a guide for elders who want to age independently as productive members of society regardless of what one's friends and family may try to force on them. Humorous and insightful, "Aging Gracefully, Aging Defiantly" is a fine read that will inspire and motivate many a person entering the later half of their life.
Guide for Losing Your Mind.
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner
For more about Norma Roth and her books go to www.normarothbooks.com
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