Health Promotion and the case of social prescription of laughter

Abstract Introduction The use of laughter to change lifestyle and promote active and successful ageing is an area of interest within the scope of health promotion. The positive effects of laughter practices occur throughout the life cycle. That is why “laughing” has been identified and indicated as a human activity of social prescription promoting healthy lifestyles. This communication aims to (1) identify the benefits for health, health promotion, well-being, and healthy lifestyle of using laughter activities and practices, (2) identify “laughing” as a social prescription activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Methods This work is structured in a narrative review of the literature and the authors’ lived experience as professionals in the well-being area. Results Studies show that laughing and using laughter-inducing approaches have immediate effects on the person who experiences them (e.g. increased general well-being, reduced cortisol levels) with benefits for the immune system and cardiovascular health. Daily practices that are structured and systematic interventions that induce laughter were revealed to have lasting and durable effects. Studies also highlighted the effectiveness of laughter and its important role in improving communication in healthcare professional-patient encounters. Discussion Several behaviors are associated with well-being, happiness and positive affect, but the one that is accessible to all people and with the most immediate effects is laughter. Daily practices, structured and systematic interventions that induce laughter are part of non-pharmacological approaches that promote health and well-being. The principles underlying laughter practices are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, namely goal 3 (Health), goal 4 (Education) and goal 16 (Peace).