Laugh it off. The effect of humor on the well-being of the older adult.

1. Laughter releases excessive physical and psychological energy, and it reduces stress, anxiety, worry, and frustration. Humor as a skillful nursing intervention can enhance the overall well-being of older adults. 2. If the timing is inappropriate, humor can be a destructive rather than constructive intervention, especially in nursing situations where embarrassing, sensitive, or emotion-laden issues are at hand. 3. This study found that as one ages, one's self-perception of health seems to decrease. Therefore, nurses need to promote a positive outlook toward the aging process and one's own health status while interacting with the elderly in a variety of settings. 4. Nurses should be encouraged to explore the use of humor, not only with patients of all ages, but also with their nurse colleagues to help reduce burn out; to cope with the everyday stress and pressures inherent in the profession; and to enhance learning in the classroom.