BRISBANE'S Jenny Chambers and Elizabeth Sillano meet weekly for a hearty half hour’s chuckling.
There’s no chit chat or gossip: it’s an exercise routine called laughter yoga that more and more older Australians are discovering.
Laughter yoga blends deep breaths and simulated laughter generated through playful, gentle exercises.
Both Jenny, 77, of The Gap, and Elizabeth, 71, from Bardon, have faced health challenges in the past year on top of relocating interstate in recent years to be closer to family.
Laughter yoga, they say, has created new friendships and strengthened their physical and psychological wellbeing.
Jenny, formerly from Melbourne, was an early adopter of laughter yoga, taking up the practice soon after it hit our shores from India about 15 years ago.
“We may well grow older but we don’t have to act it,” she said with a laugh.
“Practising just a few minutes a day is wonderful for the immune system and for our outlook on life.
“Now that I’m attending a weekly laughter club in my neighbourhood again for the first time since moving from Victoria, I’m enjoying the social connection too.”
Elizabeth, formerly from Canberra, began laughter yoga last December.
“It’s wonderful for lifting the spirits and breaking down barriers,” she said. Laughter is a great leveller – and oh, we can feel the difference physically afterwards!”
- World Laughter Day is celebrated on May 7. Laughter clubs are volunteer-based, low-cost community initiatives.
Find out if there’s one near you at www.laughterclubsqld.com.au