The serious need for silliness
As Reader’s Digest has been telling us for decades, laughter often is the best medicine.
‘Dad’ jokes to make you smile
A selection of funnies sourced from the internet:
I just built an ATM that only gives out coins. I don’t know why no one has thought of it before. It just makes cents!
My boss said, “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.” So, I went to work as Batman.
The bloke who stole my diary went missing. My thoughts are with his family.
Two men walked into a bar. The third one ducked.
My dog has just eaten a whole set of Scrabble tiles. We took him to the vet, but there’s no word yet.
Did you hear about the woman who is scared of escalators? She has to take steps to avoid them.
A sandwich walks into a bar and orders a beer. The bartender says, “Sorry, we don’t serve food here.”
I just got a promotion at the farm. Now I’m the C-I-E-I-O.
What’s red and smells like blue paint? Red paint.
I took up origami for a while. I gave it up because there was too much paperwork.
As we grow older, life tends to get heavier. Responsibilities multiply, and the world expects us to be composed, efficient, and serious.
But we shouldn't let it drag us down. Amid all this gravity, we should not forget that one of the most powerful tools we have for resilience and joy is laughter.
Laughter isn’t just a fleeting moment of amusement, it’s a vital part of emotional and physical well-being. Scientific research shows that laughter reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, boosts immune function, and even relieves pain by triggering the release of endorphins.
It improves cardiovascular health, enhances oxygen intake, and can even sharpen memory and cognitive function. In short, laughter is good medicine. And it’s free.
But beyond the science, laughter connects us. It bridges generations, cultures, and divides. A shared joke or a moment of silliness can dissolve tension and remind us of our shared humanity.
As we age, maintaining social bonds becomes more important than ever, and laughter is a natural social glue. It helps us stay engaged, present, and emotionally connected to others.
Silliness, too, has its place. It’s not about being immature; it’s about staying open to joy.
A bit of playful absurdity can lighten the heaviest days. Whether it’s dancing in the kitchen, telling a corny joke, or wearing odd socks, silliness invites spontaneity into our lives. It reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously, even when life demands seriousness.
In fact, silliness can be a quiet act of rebellion against the pressures of adulthood. It says, “I see the weight of the world, but I choose to smile anyway.”
That choice can be empowering. It can help us cope with grief, navigate change, and find light in dark times. It’s a way of reclaiming a sense of control – not by denying reality, but by choosing how we respond to it.
As we age, we don’t lose our need for laughter. In fact, we need it more. It keeps us young at heart, flexible in spirit, and connected to others. It reminds us that joy is not just for the young, but for the young-at-heart. And in a world that often feels too serious, a little silliness can be a radical act of hope.
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