Recently, positive emotions such as strength, flexibility, happiness, and gratitude have been attracting attention. Methods of preventing disease and promoting health by strengthening positive emotions are attracting attention. Laughter is a representative example of positivity. For example, laughing affects the autonomic nervous system. This influence activates the sympathetic nervous system, which is increased during activity. After laughing, the parasympathetic nervous system, which is dominant when relaxed, is activated. If the sympathetic nervous system is continuously activated, it has a negative effect on the state of the mind and body. In the same way, if the parasympathetic nervous system is continuously active, it also has a negative effect on the state of the mind and body. It is desirable for them to work in moderation and in alternation. Laughter is a meaningful tool for making this switch.
The problem of social isolation, not only for seniors, is now an issue that should be addressed as a national project. If isolation continues, it will accelerate aging and hasten the onset of depression and dementia. Going outside and having more contact with people uses up more energy, which also reduces the risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases. Exercise not only builds muscle in the legs and prevents all kinds of diseases, but is also an important factor in preventing isolation. An ideal activity is one that combines the three elements of “moving the body,” “using the brain,” and “interacting with people.” When the benefits of laughter and exercise are combined, people become more positive and their health improves.
What caught my attention was the partnership between exercise (Asics) and laughter (Yoshimoto Kogyo). Asics has a sports engineering research institute. This institute has the vision of “using the intellectual technology cultivated in sports to realize a good lifestyle.” Asics analyzed the movements of comedians when they perform gags. Specifically, they measured breathing rate, heart rate, and exercise load, and analyzed the results. As a result, it became clear that gag movements improve the physical and mental state. Asics decided to create a new exercise routine that incorporates the gags of Yoshimoto comedians. If exercises developed based on such a new idea were to become widespread, the world would become a happier place. People would continue to exercise while laughing, and exercise would have the same effect as muscle training. As a result, the secretion of myokines would be promoted, strengthening the human immune system. It would also slow the progression of dementia. The combination of laughter and exercise may bring a happy life to seniors.
