CEAD researcher supports laughter therapy against ageism

Professor Doctor Paulo Sargento, lecturer at the Faculty of Law and Associate Researcher at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Law – CEAD, visited the Professor Artur Nunes Vidal School, part of the Águeda Sul School Cluster, in Fermentelos, supporting an initiative by the “Mais Feliz Association”, chaired by Professor Fernando Batista, a lecturer with extensive experience in special education.

In preparation for the celebrations of the International Day of Laughter, the researcher, following the sponsorship of the intergenerational inclusive bicycle promoted by the Portuguese Insurance Association – APS, in Vieira de Leiria, supported another initiative that fosters intergenerational dialogue: a laughter therapy session for grandparents and grandchildren.

These initiatives are part of an R&D line that seeks to bring into public discussion what he commonly refers to as a “civilisational sin” — ageism — within a national project entitled “Old? That’s Rubbish!”

Grandparents and grandchildren attended a laughter therapy session, and the results were clear to see: pure happiness!

Laughter, as a form of transcultural human expression, is also a way to promote physical, psychological and emotional well-being, and some data even suggest that it increases the likelihood of living longer. By way of conclusion, he stated: “one good laugh a day — you have no idea how much good it does you!”